Dr. Françoise Gauthier, 81, of Putnam, passed away suddenly on Sunday May 3, 2026 at Matulaitis Rehabilitation Center. Born August 3, 1944 in Biddeford, Maine, she was the only child of Raymond and Viola (Pomerleau) Gauthier. After graduating from St Bernard High School in New London, Françoise entered the Daughters of the Holy Spirit. She was then known as Sr. Raymond Françoise. She received her BA in education from Annhurst College and a MA in Spanish Language and Literature from Universidad Ibero-Americana in Mexico. Françoise also received 2 PhD degrees: Biblical Theology from I.B.I.S in Orlando, Fl. and Theology and Parish Administration from the International Seminary, also in Florida.
Françoise began her ministry in education as a teacher and assistant principal at All Hallows School in Moosup. She continued as a teacher at Putnam Catholic Academy then a professor of Spanish and English at Annhurst College. From 1983 to 1995 she served as principal at St Mary School in Putnam and again from 2006 until it closed in 2010.
Françoise separated canonically from the Daughters of the Holy Spirit in 1998 but remained attached in her heart. In 2001, what started as a part-time summer job coordinating the cars and drivers at the Provincial House eventually led to taking on the role of Development Director, a task she was still fulfilling at the time of her death. In that role, she coordinated with many individuals and groups, including the Knights of Columbus.
She loved to travel and her fluency in French, Spanish, Italian and some Portuguese and German helped. Her proficiency in languages was an additional asset as she translated numerous documents and meetings, both large and small, for religious congregations especially the Daughters of the Holy Spirit and the Bon Secour Sisters in Baltimore for over 25 years.
Under her stern, no nonsense exterior was a generous spirit. She shared her time, talent and resources with a vast network of friends who will miss her greatly.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday June 3, 2026 from 9:30 to 11:00 at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish/Holy Trinity Church, 568 Pomfret St., Pomfret, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held there at 11:00 AM followed by burial at St Mary Cemetery in Putnam.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to DHS Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 497, Putnam, CT 06260 or Interfaith Human Services of Putnam, Inc., 53 Grove St, Putnam, CT 06260 for Daily Bread of the Greater Putnam Area. The Gilman Valade Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.