Sr. Eugenia Latendresse

Sr. Eugenia Latendresse, CSJSister Eugenia Latendresse died at 4:20 a.m. Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the St. Joseph Center in Tipton.  At the age of 82, while  no longer engaged in active ministry, she kept a smile on her face and a gentle, loving spirit in spite of many health related challenges.Jeanne Kathryn Latendresse was born to Marie Morisette and George Latendresse on October 2, 1926 in St. Paul, Minnesota.  She was the oldest of eight children and was baptized in Little Canada, Minnesota.  The family later moved to Marion, Indiana, where they were members of St. Paul Parish.  On September 2, 1941,  Jeanne entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in Tipton, Indiana as a Postulant and was received into the Novitiate on July 2, 1942.   In 1944, at the age of 18, Sister Eugenia made her first vows as a Sister of St. Joseph, and her perpetual vows four years later.Sister Eugenia earned her undergraduate degrees in Art and Biology at St. Mary’s College in South Bend, IN and a master’s degree in Art Education from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana.  She began her twenty-three years of teaching in 1946, nurturing many young students in Biology, Art, Physical Education and French.  Sister Eugenia taught at several schools throughout Indiana including St. Patrick, Kokomo; Our Lady of Grace, Noblesville; St Matthew, South Bend; St. Mary, Union City; St. Bernard, Wabash and St. Joseph Academy in Tipton.Many young women who attended St. Joseph Academy, both as boarders and day students, will remember Sister Eugenia as the loving, quiet sister who was always there with a ready smile and a kind word of encouragement.  She served as House Mother for dozens of anxious, eager, lively teen age women. For this, her crown awaits!Sister Eugenia served as President of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tipton, Indiana from 1970 through 1978.  She was a steady, calming presence during these years that witnessed profound changes in the lives of women religious.  She was gifted with wisdom to lead the community and demonstrate the power of faith in all circumstances.  Three Hospital Governing Boards including St. Charles in Bend, Oregon;  Mercy in Elwood, Indiana; St. Joseph in Kokomo, Indiana; along with several Diocesan Committees and religious affiliate groups were fortunate to have her serve as member and advisor over the years.Following her time in elected leadership, she took Clinical Pastoral Education training at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN; and served as Director of Human Relations and Volunteers and Chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Elwood, Indiana for several years.   She also ministered as Motherhouse Coordinator in Tipton in 1979 and from1986-1989.  In her retirement years, Sister Eugenia gave her energy to two loves, care for her aging mother and attention to the art of calligraphy.  Her years with her mother brought her immeasurable meaning and joy.  Time for calligraphy gave her a creative outlet.  Hundreds of people were fortunate to have her hand scripted poems, quotes and words of wisdom.  Her artistic ability was enlisted by many who appreciated her delicate touch and sensitivity.  Birthdays of every employee were honored with her art in the form of keepsake cards.Her parents and two brothers, Clayton and Jules, preceded her in death.  Her loving family has been with her throughout her life, especially in her retirement years when their continued support was most appreciated.  Family members have also become an integral part of the St. Joseph Center family.  Her sisters - Ramona Larson, Joann Bosi, Shirley Latendresse, Mary Sue (Dr. Daniel) Urban and her brother, John (Suzanne) Latendresse and her sister-in-law, Cecelia Latendresse,  have been a great comfort to Sister Eugenia.  Their children and their children’s children have all been a vital part of her life. The Sisters of St. Joseph, her family and friends will welcome her home at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, August 20 at the St. Joseph Center in Tipton where a vigil prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 21 in the St. Joseph Center Chapel with Fr. Phil Haslinger as the presider and the homolist will be Fr. Keith Hosey.  Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date following cremationSister Eugenia leaves a legacy of wisdom, faith and the will to smile through any circumstance.  Her laughter came from deep inside and affected everyone in her presence.  Her optimism and joy will be missed and her smile will be an eternal gift to all those who knew and loved her.  May she now rest in Christ’s eternal peace.