Obituary of Suzanne Malette

MALETTE, Marie-Therese “Suzanne” (Sue) SNJM (Sr. M. Claire-Michele)

November 23,1937 - August 16, 2023

The Sisters of the Holy Names (SNJM), U.S.-Ontario Province, announce the birth into eternal life of Sister Sue Malette on August 16, 2023 @ Emara Center- Transition To Betterness in Windsor at the age of 85 years and 66 years of Religious Profession. She was surrounded by her SNJM community, family members from Canada and the U.S.A. and friends.

Sr. Suzanne was the last surviving member of her family. Born to Solanges Gougeon (1970) and Hector (1976), she was raised in Windsor, Ontario with strong French Canadian customs and traditions. Predeceased by siblings: Claire (George Ludowe); Denise (Richard Keeley); Jacqueline; Madeleine (M. Thomson); John (Mila); Claude (Gloria). Survived by many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews in the U.S.A., Canada and Mexico. Strong family ties led Sue to plan family reunions at Holy Names Villa in Harrow, Ontario. Many fond memories were shared and connections solidified.

Sue entered the novitiate of the Sisters of the Holy Names in Outremont, QC in 1955 and professed Perpetual Profession on August 5, 1962.

From 1957 - 1980, Sue taught in French and English language schools in Essex County, and in Chicago, Illinois. She taught History, Francais and was swim coach for the boys’ team at Assumption High.

In 1980, Sue began training volunteers for Prison Ministry at the Windsor Jail. This led her to an 11- month Internship in Chaplaincy. She became Roman Catholic Chaplain @ Kingston Penitentiary and Joyceville Institution in Kingston, Ontario until 1988. The men from Windsor would say: “Sister, you followed us to the BIG HOUSE”.

Sue attended the McKinnon Institute of Massage in Oakland, California and became a certified masseuse. Thus began her ministry as a Wholistic Practitioner in 1990-2014. She integrated massage with the Art of Spiritual Companioning.

In the 1990’s, Sister Sue served as Archivist for SNJMs in Ontario. She was a member of the Catholic Archives Group in Ontario and Le Regroupement des Archivistes Religieux across Canada. She participated in the French-Canadian Heritage Society of Michigan and travelled to Longueuil, QC where the SNJM archives are held. She was proud of being a “Malette” and treasured her French Canadian and Mohawk ancestry.

Sue networked with various groups: Interfaith Group in Windsor, ON; Heart of Compassion Faith Community in Windsor/Detroit; SNJM Spiritual Ministries Network in U.S.-Ontario Province; Centering Prayer Group in Windsor; reached out to refugees as early as the 1970s; helped open the “first home” for individuals with HIV/Aids in Oakland, California; spent years supporting persons living with Aids along with their families.

In 2021, Sue moved to Cardinal Place Retirement Residence. Her days were filled with prayer, daily exercise, reading and sharing with other residents. The Windsor Star was a daily companion. SNJM Community feasts and celebrations were always a top priority.

Sue wishes to be remembered as: Un Coeur Généreux / Âme sensible/ Pour le prochain/ Elle fait l’impossible/COMPASSION.

Her favourite biblical quote:“Because she has loved much, much will be forgiven her.” Finding Christ in the most unexpected, and being loved unconditionally.

Arrangements are as follows:

Visitation @ Our Lady of the Assumption Church on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 10 a.m. until time of celebration of Sue’s life @ 11 a.m.

Burial to follow the same day @ Heavenly Rest Cemetery in St. Ann Section.

The Sisters of the Holy Names give thanks to: Windsor Regional Hospital (Ouellette Campus) 5th and 7th floor staffs /Dr Tyler Gervais; Cardinal Place Retirement Residence Staff; Transition-to Betterness, Prince Rd; family and support groups.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Sisters of the Holy Names for Charitable Works and/or Cardinal Place (Activities and Bus Trips for Residents)

Condolences and cherished memories may be shared @ www.windsorchapel.com

Livestreaming of Celebration of Life can be accessed HERE

Arrangements entrusted to Windsor Chapel (Central Office)