Sister Noel Le Claire, who lived her religious vocation in education, and a wide range of pastoral care and social service ministries, died at Our Lady of Angels in Greenfield, Wisconsin, on September 13, 2024. Sister Noel was 94 years old.
Sister Noel was born on December 23, 1930, in Escanaba, Michigan. She was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis on June 13, 1947; made her first profession of vows on June 21, 1949; and final (perpetual) vows on June 21, 1955.
Sister is survived by her sisters, Therese (John) Remski of Canton, Michigan, and Sister Margaret Le Claire, SSSF of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; nieces and nephews; and by the School Sisters of St. Francis community with whom she shared life for 77 years.
Beginning in 1951, Sister Noel ministered in Wisconsin, Kentucky, Illinois, and Mississippi. In the Diocese of Lexington, she served in religious education and social work at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Williamsburg from 1970-1983. Sister worked in the Appalachian Ministry at Queen of All Saints School in Beattyville from 1970-1983. In Booneville, Sister was a regional peace and justice worker from 1986-1989; a diocesan peace and justice coordinator from 1989-1991; and Workers of Rural Kentucky liaison (1991-1992).
Sister Noel retired in 2017 and ministered through prayer and presence at Our Lady of the Angels until the time of her death.
A funeral Liturgy was held on October 2 at St. Joseph Hall in Milwaukee, followed by a burial service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Milwaukee.