In Loving Memory

Sister Adrienne DeChamplain SUSC       
(Sister Adrienne Elise)
May 13, 1922 – November 6, 2024

Sister Adrienne DeChamplain (Sr. Adrienne Elise) SUSC, the oldest Holy Union Sister in the United States, died November 6, 2024, at Marian Manor, Taunton at the age of one-hundred and two. Born in Taunton on May 13, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Albertine (Beaulieu) DeChamplain. She is survived by her cousin, Sister Laurette DeChamplain SUSC, her Holy Union Sisters as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Her sisters Irene Boutin, Marie DeChamplain, Pauline Hall, Bernadette Hamlin, Theresa Leonard, and Albea Milot predeceased her.
Sr. Adrienne graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Taunton. She earned a B.S. in Education from Stonehill College, an M.A. in Sacred Sciences from Providence College and a PhD. in Religious Studies from the University of Ottawa. Before beginning doctoral studies, Sr. Adrienne took courses in Judaism and participated in archeological research in  Israel.
Sister Adrienne joined the Holy Union Sisters on September 17. 1939 and professed her final vows on August 15, 1947. At the time of her death, she had been a Holy Union Sisters for eighty-five years.
For over thirty years, she taught elementary grades in parish school staffed by her religious community in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. Sr. Adrienne was an accomplished violinist and was a lead violinist in the Holy Union Sisters’ Orchestra. In addition to her teaching, she gave violin lessons to children in the schools where she taught.
Sr. Adrienne moved from the classroom to religious education and served as Director of Religious Education in parishes in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. She later taught religious studies at Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton.
In her retirement, she devoted time to writing about Sacred Scripture. She welcomed opportunities to share her knowledge and love of Scripture with parish and adult education groups. She also provided spiritual support to Third Order Franciscans in New Bedford and Taunton.
In September sisters from the area gathered with Sister Adrienne at Marian Manor to celebrate her eighty-five years as a Holy Union Sisters. We believe that she was the only sister in the United States to reach this milestone.
The Viewing, Memorial Prayer and Mass of Christian Burial took place at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Taunton on November 15. Burial was private. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home.
Donations in Sr. Adrienne’s memory may be made to the Holy Union Sisters Mission Advancement Office, 205 Bedford St. Fall River MA 02720

This phrase from Psalm 110: 
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path,
served as a guide and inspiration for Adrienne.
During this Season of Saints, let us rejoice
that at the end of her long life,
she now joins the vast company of Holy Union Saints.