Béatrice Naud

BIOGRAPHY

Béatrice Naud was born in Saint-Adelphe, Quebec, Canada, on 6 April 1905. She was the first daughter born to parents Casimir Nault/Naud (born 1872) and Marie-Anne Baillargeon (1879–1911). Béatrice lost her mother to typhoid fever in 1911, leaving behind four surviving children—one boy and three girls. Orphaned at a young age, Béatrice was separated from her father, her brother, and her twin sisters. She spent four and a half years living with an aunt, followed by a period with her grandparents. At the age of ten, she was placed in the convent of the Daughters of Jesus in St-Adelphe.

During her First Communion, young Béatrice felt a calling to religious life. At 17, she entered the religious community, saying she did so “to respond to God’s desire.” She completed her novitiate and took her first vows in 1924 in Trois-Rivières. Her teaching career began at Notre-Dame-du-Lac, and the following year, she returned to Trois-Rivières to continue teaching at St-Narcisse. Béatrice had a passion for music, singing, and theatrical sketches.

Sister Béatrice became the first Daughter of Jesus to serve as a school principal in Trois-Rivières Ouest, as well as in St-Odilon and Cap-de-la-Madeleine. She dedicated 48 years to education. Afterward, she served for 19 years in the parish office of Saint-Lazare and was also entrusted with leading the parish choir. Even at the age of 91, she continued to offer her time, working several hours a week at the reception desk of Accueil Notre-Dame in Cap-de-la-Madeleine.

She began experiencing minor health issues shortly before the age of 94, starting with problems in her knees. She underwent two surgeries, during which she received knee replacements. Later, at the age of 104, she suffered a heart attack.

On her 110th birthday, it was reported that she remained lively, alert, and clear-minded. Her longevity was attributed to her deep faith, unwavering optimism, and positive outlook on life.

Béatrice Naud passed away in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada, on 10 July 2015, at the age of 110 years, 95 days.

RECOGNITION

Following the death of Colombe Benoît-Leclerc on 14 January 2015, she became the oldest known living person in Quebec, a title she shared with Florilda Desrochers. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Marguerite Nerny.

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* Genealogy Marie-Anne-Beatrice Nault – Généalogie du Québec et d’Amérique française

* “Soeur Béatrice Naud célèbre ses 105 ans” – Le Nouvelliste, 7 April 2010

* “Sœur Béatrice Naud (S. St-Casimir Marie) 1905 2015” – Filles de Jésus

GALLERY

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