1919 – 2016

LEWISTON — Sister Lorette Rancourt, O.S.U., 96, also known as Sister Mary Henry, died peacefully in the company of her two nieces and her Ursuline Sisters at d’Youville Pavilion in Lewiston on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

She was born in Waterville on June 1, 1919, the daughter of the late Henry W. and Celina (Rousseau) Rancourt. Sister Lorette grew up in Waterville, where she attended elementary and secondary school.

After studying at Farmington State College, she entered the Ursuline Sisters on Jan. 29, 1947, and made her vows on Sept. 7, 1949. Subsequent education came through the College of New Rochelle in New York, Providence College in Providence, R.I., the University of Maine and Boston College. She also did special studies in braille.

Her education and her natural gifts made her a strong elementary teacher, serving in Waterville, Sanford, Skowhegan, Springfield, Mass., and the Bronx, N.Y. She claimed proudly that there was no student she could not teach to read.

She is survived by four devoted nieces, Camilla Corson, Geraldine Maheu, Mary Ann Paquet and Estelle Quimby.

Besides her parents, she is predeceased by a sister, Aurale Guerette; and by two brothers, the Rev. Roland Rancourt and Camille Rancourt.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.