Br. Donald Henry Lapointe

Br. Donald Henry Lapointe was born August 8, 1934 in Winslow, Maine the son of Albert and Marie Anne (Jacques) Lapointe. He died in Springbrook Care Center (Westbrook, ME) on Sunday, October 1, 2017.A member of the Brothers of Christian Instruction since 1952, he celebrated his 65th anniversary as a religious this past June 23. Donald began his religious formation as a high school student in Alfred. His formal novitiate year was spent in Oka, QC, Canada (1952-3). He professed perpetual vows in religion on August 15, 1958.Except for one academic year (1980-81) spent at Mount Assumption H.S. in Plattsburgh, NY, his assignments placed him on the Notre Dame campus in Alfred where he rendered service in a number of roles: sacristan, baker, and for 20 years served as teacher aid, supervisor and infirmarian at Denis Hall Jr. H.S. In retirement since 1980, he continued to render loving service in a discrete and compassionate manner. He was widely envied for his mastery of the art of caring for prospering plants. In the 1990s, he devoted most of his time to his rich and varied collection of Marian artifacts, expressing his great devotion to Mary, Mother of Jesus. This impressive collection remains accessible in Notre Dame Hall. The ministry of prayer filled his days in his declining months.One of Donald's favorite hymns is by David Haas, a song that contains these wonderful words:I will come for you in the silence,I will lift you from all your fears,You will hear my voice,I claim you as my choice,Be still and know I am here.In many ways, this song represents the best of Donald's life, one that is quiet and serene, unpretentious and unaffected, a life filled with countless little services to all of his brothers, services often known to no one but God.Neither is it surprising that one of Donald's favorite Saints was St. Therse of Lisieux, who thrived doing little things for the Lord, small acts of denial, works of mercy and compassion while patiently accepting the physical infirmities that limited her ability to do great works for others.Though Donald worked twenty years at Denis Hall and one year in Plattsburgh as a teacher and supervisor, most of his life was spent at the mother house in Alfred. He had the distinction of having lived longer in Alfred than any other brother, spending more than 50 years on the grounds hallowed by the Shakers and the founding brothers, helping in various capacities in his discreet, compassionate manner, avoiding confrontation and preaching more by his gospel manners than by his words.Everyone is fully aware that Br. Donald had an extraordinary devotion to the Blessed Mother, but few know why. In 1935, after giving birth to Donald, his mother, Marie Anne was miraculously cured through the intervention of the Blessed Mother, recovering from an illness that had kept her in the hospital for more than one month, a cure that astonished doctors, nurses, family and friends.At the age of three, Donald himself was cured from polio through the intervention of the Blessed Mother, again to the astonishment of everyone. All signs of polio disappeared, never to return.By the early 1980's, Donald was already collecting Marian items as a hobby, but his exhibit opened officially in May, 1994, gradually expanding in space and collection. Since then, almost 2,000 guests have visited the exhibit, all marveling at the richness of the collection and the variety of the items.Donald was also the community's green thumb, miraculously succeeding with almost any plant or flower, though probably more through Miracle Grow than through prayer. His personal greenhouse allowed him to be very creative in decorating the Brother's Chapel, a responsibility he shared with Br. Ted.One of Donald's favorite sayings was, "Live in such a way that those who know you, but do not know God, will come to know God because of you."As Donald lived his life rendering numerous discreet services to his community and serenely gathered additional items for his Madonna room, those who knew him were impressed by his simple, compassionate ways that reminded them of the One who came for the lowly and little ones. Yes, Donald, many came to know God through you. Congratulations on a life well lived. Besides his confreres among the Brothers of Christian Instruction, he is survived by four siblings: Joseph Lapointe of Columbia, SC, Cecile Lapointe of Waterville, ME, Rose Trynor of Tolland, CT and Jeanine Breton of Winslow, ME. These and many nieces and nephews thought highly of him and will remember him fondly.His body will be received by the Brothers Friday afternoon, October 6th and positioned in the chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on the Notre Dame campus, Alfred. Viewing hours will be an hour before the 10:30 funeral Mass on Saturday, October 7th. Interment will follow immediately in the Brothers' Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Brothers' Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 159, Alfred, Maine 04002.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.