Age 90
Sister Isoline Duclos was a Sister of Mercy for 72 years. She received her early education in Middlebury, Vermont, and graduated from Mount Saint Mary Academy in Burlington. She received her B.S. in education from Trinity College, MA in early childhood education from Columbia University, and an MAT in religious education from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont.
Sister Isoline entered the Sisters of Mercy on August 15, 1949 and professed her vows on August 18, 1952. She took as her motto, “I have one soul to serve the Lord with my love.”
Sister Isoline taught first grade at Saint Mary’s School in Middlebury, Cathedral Grammar School, Saint Mary’s and Mater Christi School in Burlington. She taught religious education in parishes throughout the Diocese of Burlington.
Sister Isoline was director of Mercy Associates and was involved in special religious education (SPRED) at Trinity College. For many years she served in parish ministry at St. Anthony in White River, Saint Joseph in Burlington and Saint Ambrose in Bristol. Serving with a joyful, bubbly hello, she visited the sick, elderly and homebound. While praying with them and bringing them communion, she listened to them as they shared their struggles and concerns. She sensed their needs and found ways to respond to them. She was extensively involved in each parish and local community where she was ministering. Hospitality was a hallmark of her service.
For decades, Sister Isoline was an enthusiastic participant in COTS WALK and CROP WALK fundraisers. She was also a connoisseur of dark chocolate, which she readily shared.
The Sisters of Mercy are very grateful to Director of Nursing Barbara Liberty and her staff at Our Lady of Providence Residence, and to University of Vermont Medical Center Hospice nurse, Nancy Carlson, for their exceptional care of Sister Isoline.