I was born in London, England, and emigrated to Canada in 1939. I first met the Sisters of Providence at St. Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing, in Vancouver, B.C. After graduating in 1955, I served as a nurse in various Providence hospitals prior to entering the Midnapore Novitiate in 1959.
I loved nursing, especially in our smaller hospitals where each day was a challenge and an opportunity to be the Sister of Providence I hoped to become. I was first missioned to St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, and then to St. Jerome Hospital in Cranbrook, B.C.
In the early 1970s, I moved to Providence Convent in Spokane, Wash., which became my home for 20 years. I lived with about 20 sisters, who ministered in various departments of Sacred Heart Hospital. I joined the Department of Educational Services where my major focus was producing educational video programs for staff and patients.
I also coordinated our St. Ignatius Providence Associate program, which brought me into closer association with many vibrant, dedicated people as they managed the challenges in their lives, and still had time to reach out to assist others in need.
Retirement in 2000 was a major change in my life. I became a volunteer archivist at Sacred Heart. Researching, scanning and organizing photos brought the Providence past to life as I studied the history of the sisters, the medical center and the School of Nursing.
As the number of sisters at Providence Convent decreased, I requested permission to live with Betty Harrington, PA – a Sacred Heart employee for 30 years known as a “beacon of light” for sisters, associates and friends. Living together assisted us in our work with associates in various regions.
Spring 2011 brought us to Emilie Court Assisted Living, and we became members of our Emilie Court Sisters of Providence community – a “small but mighty” group of eight sisters. We were, and are, committed women, challenged by advanced age and various health conditions.
These last few years I had the opportunity to help Betty prepare for her “final journey.” That was a gift and a challenge, and I thank God for the support of the sisters and friends who contributed to this ministry. It was indeed a blessing!
Emilie Court Assisted Living, with a capacity for 60 residents, presents an evolving ministry, including those who need visitors, prayers and vigils. So, at this time in my life, it offers me the ability to serve as, and when, needed.
I am also grateful for my friends who have assisted me on this Providence journey. I call them my Providence friends based upon their relationships and experiences with Providence and the various modes of support they have extended to me. Providence of God, I thank you for all.