Sister Marie Helene ND 6023 PDF Download
formerly Sister Mary St. Clement
Helene Frances MINUT
Christ the King Province, Chardon, Ohio, USA
Date and Place of Birth: May 30, 1945 Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession: August 16, 1967 Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Death: April 19, 2020 Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial: April 23, 2020 Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon, Ohio
“Are not our hearts burning within us….”
Born to LeRoy and Elizabeth (Mau) Minut, Helene Frances was the middle child in a strong Catholic family of German descent living on the near West Side of Cleveland. She loved her growing up years with the quiet evenings at home and the many wonderful neighborhood friends with whom she played. Helene graduated from St. Stephen’s elementary and high school, entered from the parish and ministered at Metro Catholic School (formerly St. Stephen Elementary School) for the last fourteen years. She was always proud of being “a St. Stephen’s girl!” Helene recognized God’s call to religious life during a high school retreat, and, putting her trust in God, entered the Sisters of Notre Dame on August 22, 1964. At investment she received the name Sister Mary St. Clement. Later, she returned to her baptismal name.
Sister Marie Helene earned a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio, and a master’s degree in education from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. For more than fifty years Sister ministered in elementary schools in the dioceses of Cleveland and Youngstown.
In whatever way she served – as teacher, administrator, tutor or director of special projects – Sister was interested in and concerned for all. She researched until she found ways to assist students with learning difficulties and never tired of offering her time and talent to whatever request came her way. Especially with the students, staff and families at Metro Catholic School, Sister Marie Helene felt at home and was a source of encouragement in their eduation and a help in finding resources.
In May 2019 Sister Marie Helene moved to Notre Dame Village Assisted Living in Chardon. With the onset of early dementia and later the diagnosis of cancer, she met daily challenges with a quiet grace and graciousness. Sister discovered how to “open the eyes of her heart” in accompanying those who journeyed with her. She was a deeply thoughtful and prayerful woman, showing love and compassion despite her own pain and struggles. She cherished her family, friends and sisters. “How are you?” and “Thank you!” were two of her characteristic greetings no matter what she was enduring at the time.
Like the disciples on the way to Emmaus, Sister Marie Helene recognized Jesus in the Scriptures, in the sacraments and in every person whom she encountered. Her big heart reached out in these last months particularly to those in her small house community. May Sister rejoice in the fullness of life and light in the presence of our Risen Lord.
by Dreamhost