At the infirmary of the Mother House of the Sisters of Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur in Moncton, Sr. Jean-Marie (Barbara) Howe, OCSO, of the Trappistine Sisters, passed away on Friday January 24, 2025, at the age of 97 years, 71 of which as a member of the Cistercian monastic Order.

Born in Massachusetts, she was the only daughter of Albert and Catherine (Kennedy) Howe.  She was preceded in death by her beloved brother William (Bill) Howe.  Other than her religious community, she will be missed by her friend and sister-in-law Eléonore (Chamberlain) Howe, several nephews, the Sisters of NDSC, and many others who blessed her life by their presence and friendship.

Sr. Jean-Marie pursued higher education at Columbia University in New York, worked at the New York Library and entered the Trappistine monastery of Rogersville in 1953 where over the years she assumed the roles of formation director and then Abbess (1978-1999).

In 2018, due to chronic health issues, she was graciously received into the infirmary of the Sisters of the Congregation of NDSC where she was well cared for these past years.  The Trappistine nuns wish to express their profound gratitude to all the Sisters and the staff who offered such professional care and goodness of heart.

Sr. Jean-Marie envisioned her life as a journey, essentially a spiritual journey, and we rejoice with her that she has arrived at her desired destination, the eternal face à face with her God.

There will be a visitation hour on Wednesday February 12 from 9 to 10 am at the Notre-Dame-d’Acadie Pavilion of the Maison-mère des Religieuses Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur, 125 King Street, Moncton (Godfrey Lane entrance). Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday February 12 at 10 am in the chapel of the NDSC Sisters. The funeral mass will be streamed live and may be viewed on her obituary at www.frenettefuneralhome.com where condolences may also be sent. Interment will be at Village Saint-Pierre Cemetery in Rogersville.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, Moncton (506-858-1900).