MARLBOROUGH - Sister Maxine Nolet, a Sister of St. Anne, known in religion as Sister Mary John Berchmans, died at Marie Esther Health Center in this city Feb. 23, 2010, at the age of 89. She was in her 63rd year of religious life. The daughter of the late Albert W. and Marie Louise (Vanasse) Nolet of Worcester, she completed her elementary and secondary education at Saint Anne Academy in Marlborough where she obtained her diploma. Sister also held a B.A. degree in education from Anna Maria College in Paxton, and an M.A. degree in theology from St. John University, New York. Sister Maxine entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of St. Anne in 1942. After pronouncing her religious vows in 1944, Sister remained in Quebec, Canada, where she taught in schools belonging to the Montreal Catholic School Commission, Kanawake, St. Regis Indian Day Schools and Noranda, Quebec. Her last assignment was at Queen of Angels Academy in community services and as a driver. In May 2002, Sister transferred to the American Province and volunteered at Marie Anne Center in Worcester. In 2006 Sister Maxine became a resident of Marie Esther Health Center. She is survived by her sister, Lorraine, and her husband, John Paul Racine, of Traverse City, Mich.; their children, John and his wife, Linda, David and his wife, Barbara, Stephen, and Peter and his wife, Chieko; several grandnephews and grandnieces; and her sisters in Community.
The wake will take place Sunday, Feb. 28 from 2 to 4:30 p.m., with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m., at St. Anne Convent, 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 1, at 10 a.m., at the Convent Chapel, with burial in Saint Mary Cemetery, Marlborough. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home, (www.CollinsFuneral.com) 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough. A memorial contribution may be made to the Sisters of St. Anne Retirement Fund, 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA 01752 or to a charity of your choice.