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Lucette Schneider

Lucette Schneider

'Vegetable lady' and a much-loved pillar of the Caux community

She had become a prominent figure in the Caux conferences. Everyone knew her as "the vegetable lady". Lucette had an incredible way of making friends with people from all walks of life and all continents, even if she didn't speak their language. For many, helping on the vegetable team during their stay in Caux was at least as important as attending meetings. She left a mark on the lives of many of the the people she met. 

Lucette was a great and faithful friend. She and her late husband, Robert, were the salt of the earth. She was a monument of simplicity, service and commitment to Caux - one of the many people who helped create the spirit of Caux. Her work with 'the vegetable team' was invaluable for the optimal handling of fruit and vegetables over so many years. Equally invaluable for many were the new-found reasons to live, through practical service.

She was frank, lucid and authentic.  All of this made those she met feel at ease and allowed them to be authentic and real in their turn. Many people shared with her a defining moment in their lives. 

She liked to encourage others in the challenges of life. Her insight, discernment and wisdom impressed others and provided valuable support. During many exchanges she helped people to ask the right questions and to enter into a true dimension of compassion.

She was faithful woman, undertaking a humble, almost invisible task, but who played such an important role in the daily running of the centre. She did it with a smile, a strong will and a cheerful attitude that made people want to join her. So many important conversations took place around the big table as people peeled carrots and onions, prepared apples, washed salad...

 Lucette had a long and deep friendship with Canada. She spent a year there in 1983-1984, visiting the people she had met in Caux. She returned regularly until she was no longer able to travel. But she continued to entertain Canadian friends at her home. And until a few weeks before her death, she faithfully continued to support financially the Quebecers who came to participate in the international meetings in Caux.