Onyx Fall-Winter 2019

Fr. Bernie LaMontagne remembered fondly

During his 81 years on this earth, The Rev. Lucien Bernard "Bernie" LaMontagne, STL, affectionately known as Fr. Bernie, touched many lives at Saint Mary-of-the- Woods and his home state of Rhode Island in the service of his creator. It’s unsurprising, then, that news of his passing on Aug. 24, flooded social media with loving comments about and fond memories of the priest and educator. “He was a wonderful professor. I looked forward to receiving his cassette tapes full of comments and fabulous insight! He will be missed,” Theresa Osterholt Dirig ’11 wrote on Facebook. Another alum, Judy Drummond ’81, wrote, “Fr. Bernie and I continued to write to each other for many years after I graduated, and I always made a point of spending some time with him when I visited the campus. I learned so much from him, in

and out of the classroom. Most memorable: there is nothing so sacred you can't laugh about it. I won't repeat any here, but does anyone else cherish their "Bernie jokes"? LaMontagne taught classes in the campus, distance and graduate programs, and served as academic adviser to theology majors at The Woods. He also developed courses for general studies and the theology major. Among the classes he taught were theology, scripture and several languages. In addition to teaching, he was involved in plays and musicals produced by the music and theatre department. In recommending him for professor emeritus, Vice President for Academic Affairs Janet Clark, Ph.D., said, “Many people are aware of the special attention that students in our distance program receive from Bernie when they take a course with him. Bernie responds on cassette tape to

each and every assignment and he spends approximately 45 minutes each time making those recordings.” LaMontagne started teaching

at SMWC in 1975. He was chaplain and assistant professor of theology at SMWC for 38 years before retiring and being awarded the title of professor emeritus in 2013. The Roman Catholic Priest with the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, reflected well the values of The Woods by serving the local community after retirement.

Alumni and friends may make memorial and honorary contributions in recognition of beloved classmates, faculty and Sisters of Providence. By making a gift that honors the legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, it is an investment in the educational mission and vision of The Woods. Gifts may be made online at giving.smwc.edu or by calling 1-888-769-0013.

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