Sister Marie Bertrand: An Indomitable Spirt and Inspiration to Many
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
Sister Marie Bertrand passed away peacefully on April 24 in the 51st year of her religious life as a Sister of Saint Joseph in Pembroke, Ontario. In the early years of her ministry, Sister was active in the Marian Home operated by the Sisters in Radville, Saskatchewan, as well as in Campbell’s Bay, Quebec at St. Joseph’s Manor. When illness prevented Sister Marie from continuing, she carried on an outreach ministry from her sick bed in the Congregation’s Health Care Centre.
 |
|
SISTER MARIE BERTRAND
|
Sister started out many years ago helping alcoholics from her bed by keeping in touch with them and giving them advice by telephone. She eventually helped and prayed for many others with cancer, drug addictions and numerous other problems. Over the years, innumerable people from all walks of life and of every race and creed have known and loved Sister Marie.
Despite her debilitating illness, Sister Marie had a great sense of humour and always managed a joke or two, even though she was in constant pain. You always left her room with an uplifting feeling of hope – and how could you not when she always told you that she loved you and was praying for you.
Last June was Sister Marie’s Eucharistic Celebration when as she celebrated 50 years a nun in the order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Pembroke. It was a joyous event attended by hundreds of friends and Sister Marie was well enough to enjoy the day and talk to many who had travelled far and wide to attend her celebration.
Sister Marie was born in Calumet Island in Quebec. She loved to step dance and play the fiddle, but as her illness progressed she was unable to play the fiddle and she often said that she missed that the most. She was an avid sports fan and a big supporter of the Pembroke Lumber Kings Hockey Team with many of the players coming to visit her.
Sister’s room was full of all kinds of memorabilia given to her over the years. She even had Number 99's jersey hanging in her room. It was a milestone when hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky sent her his sweater and hockey stick when he was playing for the Edmonton Oilers. The bulletin board beside her bed was filled with signed autographs from great athletes and other dignitaries. She was loved by young and old alike.
The work that Sister Marie accomplished from her sick bed and her indomitable spirit is an inspiration to all that knew her. Those qualities coupled with her spiritual devotion and sense of humour are what kept her going for so long against all odds. She will be missed. Rest in peace Sister Marie.
|
