Sr. Jeannette built a distinguished academic career in New York, spending over two decades as a professor of psychology and eventually chairing the department at Iona College
Sr. Jeannette Bolduc, a member of the Congregation of Notre Dame, has entered eternal life at Mosaic Senior Life in Bridgeport, Conn., at the age of 94.
Born in Jackman, Maine, Sr. Jeannette was the daughter of Alice and Hormidas Bolduc. She had three siblings: Gerard, Theresa, and Roland. Sister completed her elementary and secondary education at Mt. St. Joseph School in St. Johnsbury, Vt., in 1950. Sr. Jeannette professed her first vows as a Sister of the Congregation of Notre Dame on Aug. 23, 1956. Before entering the Congregation of Notre Dame, Jeannette served in the United States Navy and received an honorable discharge. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Notre Dame College, Staten Island, in 1954. She continued her studies, earning a master’s degree from Fordham University in 1962 and a doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1972.
Sr. Jeannette was a woman deeply committed not only to her family and CND Sisters but also to her students and colleagues. She was a professor of psychology for over 20 years, both at Notre Dame College of Staten Island and Iona College. In 1978, Sister Jeannette was appointed chairperson of the Department of Psychology at Iona College, New Rochelle.
In 1984, Jeannette began her 32-year ministry in Central America. After studying Spanish in Mexico, she served in CND missions in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Paraguay. Her ministry as a pastoral associate in several cities and countries over the years enabled her to be directly engaged with the spiritual and everyday life of the parishioners. In 1990, she was appointed to accompany the CND sisters in temporary vows. She was their teacher and mentor as they deepened their commitment to religious life in the CND.
In 2016, Jeannette returned to the United States and began a ministry with the Spanish-speaking parishioners of St. Louis Parish in West Haven, Conn. Jeannette retired in 2023 after a multifaceted journey as teacher, mentor, and spiritual companion.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Hormidas, and her sister and brothers, Gerard, Theresa, and Roland, and her nephew, Jeffrey. She is survived by her nieces, Cecilia and Janice, and her nephews, Steven and Mark. Sr. Jeannette is mourned by her community, the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Norwalk, Conn., on Thursday, July 30, at 10 a.m. The celebrant is Father Victor Martin. There will be a viewing at 9:30 a.m. before the liturgy. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Danbury, Conn.