Brother Albin Vigeant, FIC Obituary (2010)

Brother Albin Vigeant died at the age of 95 at the Maine Medical Center in Portland on December 8, 2010 after a relatively short illness.Brother Albin, born David Henry Vigeant on May 15, 1915 in Fall River, MA was the son of David Elie Vigeant and Marie (Lafleur) Vigeant. His early education was in Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish School. From Msgr. Prevost School, he entered the juniorate of the Brothers of Christian Instruction at LaPrairie, Quebec, Canada on April 11, 1929 and the novitiate of the Brothers at LaPrairie on August 15, 1930. He made his first profession of vows in 1931, his final profession on July 7, 1936 and spent 80 years in religious life.Brother Albin, the second oldest of ten children is survived by three brothers, Armand Vigeant of Somerset, MA, Fr. Wilfred Vigeant, SJ of Weston, MA, Ernest Vigeant of No. Grosvendale, CT, four sisters, Armande Vigeant of Somerset, MA, Jeannette O'Brien of Rocky Mount, NC, Irene Poore of Shrewsbury, MA, Maria Huggard of Somerset, MA, many nieces and nephews and by the members of his religious family, the Brothers of Christian Instruction.Brother Albin had a long and varied career. He taught in a number of elementary schools both in the United States and Canada. His teaching career lasted from 1934 to 1961 and included assignments to schools in Plattsburgh, NY, Waterville, Biddeford and Sanford. He then worked at the Brothers Notre Dame farm in Alfred from 1966 until his retirement in 1987, but remained active working in the facilities and on the grounds until recent health setbacks.Brother Albin was truly a man of God, forgetful of himself, entirely devoted to God's people. He taught the young during most of his years and cared for his brethren during his elderly years. The words of Jesus no doubt apply to him: "Come to me, you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest. Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in Heaven."Reception of the body will take place at the Brothers' Alfred Motherhouse on Sunday, December 12 with Vespers for the Departed at 5:00 PM. Visitation and viewing will take place at Notre Dame Chapel on Monday beginning at 9:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Monday at the chapel with Br. Ted Letendre as the principal celebrant. Burial will follow in the Brothers' Cemetery.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Brothers Retirement Fund, P. O. Box 159, Alfred, ME 04002.Arrangements are under the direction of the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Homs, 29 Winter Street, Sanford. Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.