Sister Hélène Marie

On 5 July 1929, Lydie, Sr Hèlène Marie, was born in Cordon, the fourth child in a family of farmers. Very soon, tragedy struck the family. Her father died of pneumonia. He was 52 years old, Lydie was three months old, and the other children were 12, seven and three years old. Her mother, helped by her 12-year-old son, continued to work on the farm. The family had to survive. Unfortunately, five years later, her mother also died. The two youngest girls were entrusted to their aunts. For over a month, Lydie remained confined in her grief. Usually so cheerful, always singing, she stopped talking. Sad! Blocked! Finally, after a month, and to Aunt Hélène's great relief, she hummed a little tune.

Lydie and Eva grew up together. The school was 3 km away. In winter, they had to trudge through the snow. 6 km every day. But they had what mattered most: the warmth of a loving home.

At the age of 18, Lydie went to work at the hospital in Sallanches for a year. She has some bad memories of that time, but she is still touched by the affectionate presence of Sister Françoise Anthonie and Mother Pauline. She entered the novitiate in 1948. She was 19 years old. As soon as she took her first vows, she was sent to the St Joseph boarding school in Monthey. It was a big change! She had a hard time settling in. The arrival of Sr Monique Dentand, with whom she had been in the novitiate, helped her find her feet. For 69 years, following the example of Mary and Joseph, whom she loved very much, she devoted herself to humble and simple tasks: cleaning, helping in the kitchen, looking after jobs and employees, shopping at Migros...

Then, suddenly, a major shift occurred in her well-ordered life: an assault in 2002 left her with injuries on her back and legs. From then on, she became increasingly anxious about keeping doors locked and bolts drawn, etc. A little later, an unfortunate fall in town resulted in a fracture of her leg, her vulnerable spot.

But in the midst of all this, there were still moments of escape into the blue sky: returns to her father's house in Cordon, which she never stopped admiring; visits from her nephew Régis, a priest; her sister Eva, a source of devotion; her nephews Alexandre, Océane and all the others; the joy of singing with a clear voice for God and for the community.

After 69 years of humble work, she was welcomed to the Grand Chêne in 2019. She remained deeply attached to her family and participated in all events. The bonds were mutual, as shown by the many photos that hang in her room. The last few months were difficult. The fear of dying gradually gave way to the desire to die. She never accepted her dependence and was a little demanding. But she was well cared for by the staff and the Sisters. Sr Marie Philomène was at her side to receive her last breath.

Glory be to God for this life of humble service!