Concord, NH – Sister Claudette Blais, o.c.d., age 86, a devoted member of the Carmelite order for more than 60 years, died on July 15, 2026 at the St. Joseph Residence in Manchester, NH following a brief illness.
Born in Berlin, NH on September 17, 1939, Claudette was the beloved daughter of Jean-Louis and Cecile (Montminy) Blais. She graduated from Rivier University in 1960 with a B.A. in French and taught at Lancaster High School for a year before moving to Quebec City to pursue her religious vocation. Responding to God’s call, Claudette entered the Carmelite Monastery in Montreal in 1962. She subsequently transferred to the Carmelite Monastery of Concord where she professed her vows on September 8, 1964 and made her solemn profession on September 8, 1968.
Claudette’s deep spirituality, keen intellect, and natural empathy brought comfort and healing to everyone she met. From behind the monastery’s pale brick walls she offered prayers and encouragement to those in need, touching countless lives. Known for her cashmere sweaters, beautiful singing voice, fondness for black pepper (and the occasional glass of champagne), and chronic tardiness, she is lovingly remembered by her sister, Henriette (Blais) Salek of Belmont, MA and by her nephews and niece; Michel (Nancy) Salek of Milan, NH (and children Paul and Anna Salek); Elise Salek (Brian Tauscher) of Concord, NH (and children Michael, John, and Grace Tauscher); Clement Salek of Franklin, MA; and Emile Salek of Belmont, MA. She is also survived by Dan Stanley whose service as caretaker to the monastery property and the Carmelite sisters is gratefully acknowledged.
Claudette was deeply saddened by the monastery’s closure in 2021; she prayed that the monastery property and its chapel would be preserved. Her prayers were answered when the Friends of St. John Foundation, a §501(c)(3) nonprofit, agreed to purchase the property. Memorial donations in Sr. Claudette’s name may be made to Friends of St. John Foundation, 61 S. State St., Concord, NH 03301.
Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Monday, July 27 from 2:00-5:00pm at Waters Funeral Home, 50 S. Main St., Concord, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Parish, 72 S. Main St., Concord, NH on Tuesday, July 28 at 11:00am.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes