Sister Rene Parent

September 24, 1943 - September 30, 2018

Sister M. Rene (Doris) Parent died on September 30, 2018, at St. Francis Convent in Bethlehem, Pa. She was 75 and in her 55th year of religious life.

Sister entered from Sacred Heart Parish in Springfield, Mass., and professed first vows in 1963 at St. Francis Convent in Bethlehem, Pa. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Holy Family College in Philadelphia, Pa.

Sister taught at various elementary schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and ministered for 29 years at St. Francis Center for Renewal in Bethlehem, Pa. Her welcoming manner drew people to her, especially visitors to the Center, who always looked forward to seeing her.

An avid and entertaining juggler, Sister Rene is best remembered for her patience and unwavering listening ear. Whether it was a simple greeting or a lengthy heart-to-heart chat, Sister made others feel comfortable enough to open up to her and ministered by listening. Likewise, she usually had sage advice to offer in return and would often pass along favorite sayings – some she collected and some she penned herself – to inspire others.

Sister Rene was preceded in death by her parents, Raoul and Rita (Lescarbeau) Parent; her sister Pauline; and her stepmother Lillian Moreau. She is survived by her brother Arthur Michael, her sisters Marcelle Boulanger and Lucille Cecilia Guilmette, her religious community and several nieces and nephews.

Sister Rene is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa.