Sr. Marie Therese Harnois

Sr. M. Therese Harnois R.S.M. (also known as Sr. Mary Evangelista), 86 yrs., of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died peacefully at St. Joseph’s Residence on January 23, 2013.

Sr. Therese was born in Portland, ME., the daughter of Arthur Harnois and Marie Evangeline Giboin Harnois. Sister graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, Portland, she joined her sister, Sr. Mary Gratia Harnois and entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1947 from St. Joseph’s Parish. Sister began her higher education at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, subsequently earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from Boston University. In addition to her early training, Sister has done extensive studies in Music, specifically organ and Church Music at Marywood College, PA. and Manhattanville College, N.Y.

After completion of her education, Sister Therese began her ministry in Music or as a

classroom teacher. She taught at St. Francis Parish, Brownville, Junction; St. Mary’s,

Presque Isle; St. Joseph’s Parish, Gardiner; St. Theresa School, Brewer; St. Athanasius, Rumford; Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Fairfield; Cathedral School, Portland; before going to the newly built Catherine McAuley High School where she chaired the

Music Department for twenty years. Her former students would often remark how she passed on her love of music to them and they in turn, gave it to their children. During her retirement years, she kept busy at St. Pius Church as Organist and Receptionist; taking telephone duty at St. Joseph’s Convent, Portland and at St. Peter’s Parish as Organist, Choir Director and telephone duty. One of her special volunteer works was to send

religious magazines and books to those who were in jail or prison. She would often tuck

in a religious card to let them know that they were prayed for.

Sr. Therese came from a family of musicians. Her special instrument was the violin for

which she had a great talent. Sr. Therese enjoyed music and was more than happy to join

a Chorus or be in a Barbershop Quartet. A gracious and humble lady, Sr. Therese carried out whatever she did with charity, simplicity and kindness, living her motto, Templum

Dio (Temple of God).

In addition to her beloved parents, Arthur and Marie Evangeline, she was predeceased by

her siblings, Ernestine Harnois, Evangeline DeRoche, Pierre Harnois, Rosemarie Taliento and Yvonne Hagerty,

She is survived by her sister, Sr. Mary Gratia (Pauline) Harnois R.S.M., many devoted nieces and nephews and their families as well as cousins.

Her wake will be held at Jones, Rich & Hutchins, Woodfords St., Portland on Friday from 4 – 8 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. from St. Joseph’s Church, Portland, with

Msgr. Andrew DuBois presiding. Burial will be in New Calvary Cemetary, South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Sr. Therese Harnois memory to:

Catherine McAuley High School

631 Stevens Avenue

Portland, Maine 04103