Note: Sr. Anne Hemstock was a Congregational Councilor on the Congregational Leadership Team at the time of the 2026 Jubilee celebration, and was commemorated alongside her fellow Sisters of Providence while visiting the Mother Joseph region.
Sister Anne Hemstock comes from a large family where faith and concern for others was part of daily life. Teasing, laughter, and storytelling are all woven into the tapestry of who she is and her call to religious life as a Sister of Providence.
Her family moves followed the petroleum industry in Alberta moving from Devon, to Redwater and finally when she was six years old, to Calgary. The call to religious life surfaced early, however, it took time to mature. As a young woman, she had considered another congregation, however, her father suggested that she speak with the Sisters of Providence who had the Creche in Calgary. Visiting the Creche opened her heart and mind to children with disabilities and in need. Talking to her mother about the visit, her mother said: “The children are cared for and loved by the Sisters.” That simple conversation moved Sr. Anne to consider the Sisters of Providence even though she had met only one Sister and visited for just an hour. God’s designs are marvelous.
Sr. Anne entered the Sisters of Providence as a candidate in 1975, made first vows in 1978, and final vows in 1982.
After a couple of years working at what is now Providence Renewal Centre, she studied at Newman Theological College in Edmonton and at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa and received a master’s degree in Pastoral Studies specializing in Health Care. She loved the ministry and worked for the Diocese of Calgary at the Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre in Calgary and later at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.
Following a sabbatical, she was elected to the provincial council of Holy Angels Province as provincial councillor-secretary. Community service has been the path the Congregation has asked of her, and it has proven to be her ministry for most of her religious life. She returned to spiritual care briefly but was invited to serve on the provincial council again, this time as provincial secretary, provincial treasurer, and then provincial leader. Anne was elected to the Congregational Leadership Team during the 2022 General Chapter and is now serving as Congregational Councillor-Secretary in Montreal.
“I know from deeply within that the hand and desires of Providence invite and challenge me to continue to live my ‘Yes’ wholeheartedly with and among the poor. Our Lady of Sorrows accompanies me always. I am filled with gratitude and awe at the graciousness of God. Creating my tapestry continues.”
Providence of God, I thank you for all.