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I, Nora Helena Dennis, a native of North Bay, was the second youngest of six children in the family. I received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist and professed my Final Vows in my home parish of the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption. Following graduation from grade 12, it was a struggle to either attend Nursing School (as I was accepted at Sudbury General Hospital's Marymount School of Nursing) or enter the convent. The latter won out and I entered The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie in North Bay on September 2, 1954. I took my mother's name, Alma, as my religious name. Following my canonical year, I attended a summer course in Thunder Bay in preparation for teaching. After a year in the classroom, I was informed, to my great delight, that I would be following a nursing career – a long time dream. Following graduation as a Registered Nurse in 1960, I was assigned to St. Joseph's Hospital, Thunder Bay, as Head Nurse on the Medical Floor for one year. The following year, I was sent to Blind River, a small hospital, as Hospital Supervisor doing everything from A to Z: pharmacy, day and evening supervisor, on call for the operating room and obstetrics, central supply, and any other need that arose. After this "baptism by fire" I next arrived at Sudbury General Hospital where I enjoyed four years as Supervisor in Obstetrics (1962-65) and Day Supervisor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Emergency (1965-66). In June 1966, I studied Spanish at the Latin American Institute, St. Mary's, Ontario, with my sister, Sister Corinne (Patty-Ann). We had both been assigned to our mission in Guatemala beginning January of 1967. For the next six years, I operated a Nursing Clinic, taught courses in health and nutrition, visited and cared for the sick in the mountains. Riding a mule was not my favourite form of transportation but I soon became a pro. I was also the Local Leader (1969-72) of the convent of six Sisters. In my last two years in Guatemala, my health deteriorated and so I returned to Canada in the Fall of 1972 and was appointed Local Leader of the Sisters in Elliot Lake. After Vatican II, many of the Sisters reverted to their baptismal names and so Sister Alma became known as Sister Nora Dennis. I attended the first Pastoral Care Course, in Ottawa, sponsored by the Catholic Hospital Association and returned to Elliot Lake to set up a Pastoral Care Department in St. Joseph's Hospital (1972-76). In 1976, I returned to North Bay for back surgery and worked at St. Joseph's Hospital, North Bay, in Pastoral Care (1976-79). During this period I took two units of Clinical Pastoral Education at the Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital. Next, I studied Theology and Pastoral Studies in Health Care at St. Paul University in Ottawa (1979-80). This included two more units of C.P.E., one at Grace Hospital and the other at Queensway Carleton. After these studies, I returned to North Bay as Director of Pastoral Care at St. Joseph's Hospital (1981-90). I was Local Leader at Wyld Street residence (1983-1987). In the latter years, ill health forced me to retire and accept long term disability. In 1987, I had been diagnosed with a rare illness, Adult Onset Still's Disease (AOSD). This necessitated ongoing medical care. Although limited in body, this did not deter me from volunteer efforts such as Bereavement Coordinator at the Pro-Cathedral until 1995. In addition to this I saw people individually and facilitated group work for those grieving. In 1995, I responded to the Congregation's request to assist in the retreat and prayer ministry at the Motherhouse, a role I still fulfil today. One of my greatest joys occurred in 2002 when I moved to an apartment in St. Joseph's on the Lake – the former St. Joseph’s Girls’ College. Here my love of cooking and fudge making is shared with friends and neighbours. In 2004, I celebrated my Golden Jubilee, fifty years of service to my God, my Congregation and the many people I have encountered and supported over the years. Today I continue to bring a smile to the face of everyone I meet.
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