Sister Theresa Fournier, CSJ, 93

Sister Theresa Fournier, CSJ, 93, died Dec. 18 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham. She had been a Sister for 77 years: 46 years as a Sister of Charity of St. Louis and 31 years as a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Sister Theresa was born on Sept. 23, 1927, in Peasleeville, daughter of the late Paul and Florence Sears Fournier. She was a member of Assumption of Mary Parish in Rexford and a graduate of Our Lady of Victory Academy in Plattsburgh. Sister Theresa entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis in Plattsburgh on Feb. 11, 1943 and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1952. On June 12, 1989, Sister Theresa canonically transferred her perpetual vows to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Sister Theresa received a bachelor’s degree in social studies from The College of Saint Rose, and a master’s degree in history and doctorate in history/political science, both from Middle Tennessee State University. For 21 years, Sister Theresa taught students in junior high in various schools in the Diocese of Ogdensburg. After completing her doctorate, Sister Theresa began teaching history on the college level at Clinton County Community College in Plattsburgh; Maria Regina College in Syracuse; and Utica College and Mohawk Valley Community College, both in Utica
Sister Theresa is survived by her brother, Gilbert Fournier of Rouses Point; her sister, Anna Gleason of Bellevue, Neb.; many nieces and nephews and their families; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Eugene, Lee and Arthur Fournier; and her sisters, Ethel Fournier, Doris Duffina and Gladys Brousseau.

Due to the continued health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no public funeral services for Sister Theresa at this time. A Memorial Mass will be scheduled at a later date.