In Loving Memory...

Sister M. Noelita, CSC 
(Margaret Helen Deiotte)
Birth: February 3, 1918
Profession: February 2, 1939
Death: October 29, 2004

The picture one gets from talking to friends and bandmates of Sister Noelita is that of a feisty little sister in a white, medical-personnel habit, smiling and happy, busy all day long, liking everybody, and often – in these memories – with a hypodermic needle in her hand. So she delighted us, and she more or less frightened us, at the same time.

Sister Noelita was born in northern Michigan on February 3, 1918, the daughter of Edward and Margaret Deiotte. Before she reached school age she was living in East Chicago, Indiana. She started school there at Saint Patrick’s and found her future, for the Sisters of the Holy Cross staffed Saint Patrick’s. She must have spoken to the sisters quite early about a possible vocation, for while she was still in grade school she was put in touch with Sister Rafaelia’s pre-novitiate group at Saint Theodore’s in Chicago. This resulted in her attending high school here at Saint Mary’s as a member of the juniorate. She officially entered the Congregation July 3, 1936. She made her first profession in 1939 and her final profession in 1942. After first vows she was sent to Mount Carmel Hospital for training in medical technology. She remained at Mount Carmel for 30 years making use of this training. She especially loved to work with children, and her cheerful approach to her duties seems to have greatly lessened the inherent fear most children have of strange, busy places and things with needles in them. It is said she never tried to inoculate until she had gained the child’s interest and confidence.

There were many sisters at Mount Carmel in those days, and Sister Kevin remembers that all of them depended in some way on Sister Noelita. She was willing to help with anything, and always knew the right approach to a new task. She is remembered for her zeal, her long hours of willing service, and the fact that everyone from the youngest patient to the head of the medical staff had complete confidence in her.

After 30 years at Mount Carmel she returned to Saint Mary’s for almost 30 more years of service as supervisor in the medical lab here. She retired to Rosary Convent in 1997, then moved temporarily to Basil Moreau Convent and then to Saint Mary’s Convent.

She died Friday, October 29, of a massive heart attack. Perhaps there are some in heaven glad to welcome the sister who took the terror out of their first shot.

Written by Sister M. Georgia, CSC

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry With the Poor Fund, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556.