Marie Day

LEOMINSTER, Mass. -- Marie "Jean" (Bergevin) Day, 96, formerly of 42 Walnut St., Leominster, died May 21, 2008, in Life Care Center of Leominster.

Born March 23, 1912, in Fitchburg, Mass., she was the daughter of Eustache and Delvina (Blanchard) Bergevin.

A devout Catholic, she was a member of St. Leo's Parish in Leominster, where she was actively involved in the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality, took care of the altar and floral arrangements, sewed and crocheted baptismal garments for infants, and assisted her husband in his ministry through the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Catholic Charities, including assisting in the relocation of the Khounsambath Family in Leominster.

Among her closest friends were numerous members of the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she prayed, worked and played, even traveling to Ireland with them to visit the birthplace of their foundress. A member of the St. Ignatius Guild, she supported the ministries of the Jesuits of the New England Province. She also worked as a Red Cross volunteer at their regular blood drives.

Mrs. Day is survived by her son, John P. Day of Manchester, N.H.; brother, Paul Bergevin of Fitchburg, Mass.; sister, Rita Langelier of North Brookfield, Mass.; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, William H. Day, in 1986.

IN HER LIFE: Her two passions in life were her God and her family. Through days of sorrow and joy, the family found a love that was warm, tender, loyal and caring in "Aunt Jane." Whether it was assistance in finding a job, help with college expenses, or merely cookies "hidden" in the familiar location for the neighborhood children, she delighted in helping others.

In her later years, when she herself needed help, in addition to family, she found special people: especially, friend and caregiver Sr. Cecile of the Sisters of the Presentation, friend and spiritual guide the Rev. John Doran of St. Leo's Church, and close friend and caregiver Tammy Mulholand. Also among her family members are her daughter-in-law, Catherine-Ann Day of Manchester, N.H.; her grandson, Sean P. Day and his wife, Motoko F. Day, of Dublin, Calif.; her great-grandchildren, Liam Day and Colin Day. She was predeceased by her sisters, Blanche Leger, Delvina St. Onge, and Helen Jarvis.

SERVICES: The funeral is Tuesday from the Wright-Roy Funeral Home, 109 West St., Leominster, with a funeral mass at 11:30 a.m. in St. Leo's Church, 128 Main St., Leominster. Burial in St. Leo's Cemetery, Leominster. A calling hour is Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 128 Main St., Leominster, Mass. 01453; or to the Sisters of the Presentation, 90 Church St., Leominster, Mass. 01453.