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Odile and Hélène

Black and white picture of Sister Sainte-Anne (Odile LePailleur) on the left, with her niece Hélène and two other members of the Notre-Dame congregation. They are outside, near the stairs of a residence.

Source: Collection Maison LePailleur

Odile LePailleur (1830-1909) joined the Congregation of Notre-Dame and moved to Montréal at the age of 18. As she took the veil, she chose the name of Sister Sainte-Anne.

A few years later, her niece Hélène (1877-1956), daughter of notary Alfred-Narcisse, became a member of the same Order and chose the name of Sister Marie de Nazareth

The main mission of this religious community, founded by Marguerite Bourgeoys in the 17th century, was to teach children. By joining their ranks, Odile and Hélène took part in the education of young people in the Montréal area.