Madonna Helene Betit

EAST WALLINGFORD   Madonna Helene Betit was born January 31, 1935 to Hector and Irene (Fortier) Betit in Bennington Vermont. She died peacefully May 29, 2024 at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care at DHMC in Lebanon, NH. Her elementary education was at Sacred Heart School in Bennington. She was a boarder and student at Mount St. Joseph Academy in Rutland from 1948 to 1952. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in September, 1952 and was known as Sr. Madonna Therese. She received her B.A. degree at the College of St. Joseph the Provider in Rutland and her M.A. degree from the Middlebury College Language School. As a teacher, she taught in Rutland at Christ the King School, St. Peter’s School and at Mount St. Joseph Academy. In Bennington, she taught at Sacred Heart School and in Burlington, at St. Joseph’s School. She enjoyed keeping in touch with many students on Facebook. Madonna worked in admissions at the College of St. Joseph the Provider in Rutland and in Public Relations at what is now Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. She was a devoted member of the Secular Discalced Carmelites (OCDS). In Rutland, she lived happily at The Maples and last year moved to be with her sister in East Wallingford. Those who knew Madonna often spoke of her gentle, loving nature with great affection.

Madonna was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Andre H. and his wife, Donna (Pray) Betit and many dear friends. She leaves her sister, Cecile; nephew Andre H. Betit Jr. and wife Lisa of Bastrop, Texas; niece Michelle and husband Alfred Lewis and their children: J.B., Ally, Sammie and Livy, many cousins and friends.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Church in Rutland on June 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. At a later date, a Mass will be offered at Sacred Heart and St. Francis de Sales Church. Burial at White Chapel Cemetery in Bennington, Vermont will take place at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Madonna’s name may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.