Linda CONSTANTIN

CONSTANTIN, O.S.F., SISTER LINDA "I came so they might have life and have it more abundantly." John 10:10. Sister Linda was an example to all about how to live life abundantly. Her passion, energy and joyfulness of spirit touched all she knew whether through prayer, service or friendship. Her character was both forthright and fun, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many. To the countless people she met through her work as a nurse, her love of fishing and her zeal for new experiences, Sister Linda's dedication, tenacity and uncompromising standards for excellence were well known and the hallmarks of her mission. She believed deeply in justice for all and service as a privilege, encouraging others to share her passion through good works and kindness, even in the final days of her life. While deeply appreciative of the many prayers and words of encouragement during her illness, Sister Linda's constant request was a good deed done for another and lifted up to God in her name. Her life was remarkable and her legacy vast. May we all continue to honor her through our generosity of spirit and selflessness for another in need. Sister Linda Constantin, O.S.F., passed away at home, Jacoba House, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005, following a courageous battle with cancer. A native of Rayne, Sister Linda was born Nov. 3, 1947. She entered religious life as a sister joining the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady in 1967 and was professed in 1970. She graduated from the nursing program at Northeast Louisiana University and became a registered nurse. She also completed a master's of arts degree in theology from St. Bonaventure University in New York. Her personal ministry and vocation were synonymous as she served friend and stranger alike through her work with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. For 30 years as a nurse and administrator, she tirelessly served patients, families, physicians and staff at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge and St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe. Since 1995, Sister Linda has served as vice president of Mission Integration at Our Lady of the Lake. Sister Linda offered her leadership to the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady serving as a member of the Provincial Council since 2002. She was named a 2003 YWCA Woman of Achievement. But her most meaningful contributions can be seen through the many individuals and organizations she touched throughout her life. She left an indelible mark on the lives of many people, one person at a time. Sister Linda's civic activities and contributions are too numerous to list, but included Volunteers in Public Schools, Capital Human Services District, Junior and Special Olympics, United Way, Baton Rouge Area Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul, YWCA, Committee of Friends to assist HIV patients and Children's Miracle Network. True to her Franciscan beliefs, Sister Linda knew no other way to help out than by being hands-on. She approached all that she took on with her trademark energy and resourcefulness. With this approach, she set up numerous programs to care for those most in need, working diligently for the poor, the ill, the young, the aged, the disabled and the hungry. She was an outspoken advocate for women, for the Catholic faith and for health care. She is the daughter of Marguerite and the late Dewey Constantin of Rayne; and granddaughter of Martin and Renola Heinen (deceased) of Robert's Cove and Maurice and Etta Constantin (deceased) of Rayne. She is survived by her siblings, Margaret Constantin Richard and her husband, Russell, of Lafayette, and Lloyd Constantin, Lisa Aucoin, Bernadette Constantin Miller and her husband, Mark, all of Rayne, and the late Sheila Chitwood. Sister Linda is also survived by eight nieces and nephews, Kent Richard, Jason Richard, Penny Credeur, John Chitwood, Alexis Constantin, Amber Miller, Courtney Miller and D.J. Miller; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews, Keavin Richard, Kurstie Richard, Victoria Richard, Harlan Nugent, Havan Nugent, Winston Broussard and Kaitlyn Chitwood. She is also survived by her religious community and other close friends. At the request of Sister Linda, donations should be sent to Our Lady of the Lake Foundation and designated to the Children's Miracle Network, CMN Bass Tournament, Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center or St. Anthony's Home. Donations may also be made to Myriam's House, Hospice Foundation of Baton Rouge, FMOL Haiti Mission, St. Vincent de Paul, Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Crisis Intervention Center or Brighton Academy. Visitation will be at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 9150 Highland Road, on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with an evening prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. Friday until Mass in Celebration of Life at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment in Roselawn Memorial Park. Published in The Advocate on 1/20/2005.