A member of the Brothers of Christian Instruction since 1952, he celebrated his 65th anniversary as a brother this past June 23. Donald began his religious formation as a high school student in Alfred. His formal novitiate year was spent in Oka, QC, Canada (1952-1953). He professed perpetual vows in religion on Aug. 15, 1958.
Except for one academic year (1980-1981) spent at Mount Assumption High School in Plattsburgh, New York, his assignments placed him on the Notre Dame campus in Alfred where he rendered service in a number of roles: sacristan, baker, and for 20 years served as teacher aid, supervisor and infirmarian at Denis Hall Jr. High School.
In retirement since 1980, he continued to render loving service in a discrete and compassionate manner. He was widely envied for his mastery of the art of caring for prospering plants. In the 1990s, he devoted most of his time to his rich and varied collection of Marian artifacts, expressing his great devotion to Mary, Mother of Jesus, This impressive collection remains accessible in Notre Dame Hall. The ministry of prayer filled his days in his declining months.
Besides his confreres among the Brothers of Christian Instruction, he is survived by four siblings: Joseph Lapointe of Columbia, South Carolina, Cecile Lapointe of Waterville, Maine, Rose Trynor of Tolland, Connecticut and Jeanine Breton of Winslow, Maine. These and many nieces and nephews thought highly of him and will remember him fondly.
His body will be received by the Brothers Friday afternoon, Oct. 6 and positioned in the chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on the Notre Dame campus, Alfred. Viewing hours will be an hour before the 10:30 a.m. funeral Mass on Saturday, Oct. 7. Interment will follow immediately in the Brothers’ Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Brothers’ Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 159, Alfred, Maine 04002.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.
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