Franciscan Poor Clare Sisters of Duncan

Another Woman's Hope Chest

Our community has begun a new phase in its history…life without the physical presence of our beloved sister, Louise. On the last Sunday of Advent – the ending of the time of “waiting” and the beginning of the time of God’s new presence in Jesus, Sr. Louise, in her own classic way, heard and responded to the call of Jesus. She had anticipated this moment for so long and now without delay, she carefully “folded her tent” and joyfully ran into the arms of Jesus to being her new life.

I have lived with Louise for 47 years, and have witnessed her unique personal gifts and their development from her years in the Monastery in Victoria to her time in our midst in Duncan.

Coming Full Circle 

If I were to choose an ideal place to spend my childhood it would be in the fertile fruit valley of the Okanagan, in a small town called Peachland. And that was the reality. Surrounded by the beauty of blossoming fruit trees, dotted sunflowered hills and the sparkling Okanagan Lake, I was possessed with a wild energy to explore, encounter and embrace every inch of my known world. There was however, one subduing force in my life – my mother! But even she could not tame me!

When my teen years arrived it was time for a shift. I was sent to boarding school so that the nuns could succeed where my parents failed – to make a lady of me. 

God plants us where we are meant to grow. I loved the school, the nuns, and above all the on-going experience and knowledge of God’s incredible love. It was this that led me to join the Sisters of St. Ann – still not yet a lady – but enthusiastic, idealistic and zealous to give myself totally to God.

My Journey from the Big City of Toronto!