ESTEVAN — The Sisters of St. Joseph – St. Joseph's Hospital Estevan – have been recognized for their contributions to health care in Estevan, dating back more than 85 years.
The organization was inducted into the Trailblazers Memorial Walk during the Southeast Women of Distinction Awards May 2 at the Power Dodge Curling Centre. They are the first group to be enshrined, as the previous honourees – Shirley Carson, Shirley Orsted, Ida Petterson and Melodye Pierson in 2023, and Gertie Lev in 2024 – are individuals recognized for their vast efforts.
Event MC Mary Anne Veroba noted the picture for the induction shows six sisters in front of the hospital. Three of them were the originals who arrived in 1938: Sister Priscilla O'Conner, who Veroba heard a lot about during her time working at the hospital for 33 years, Sister Eden Agnew and Sister Roseanne Stupendik, who worked in pastoral care when Veroba knew her.
"She always wore white, and she had a white veil and beautiful white hair, and as a new nurse, she said don't be scared to ever go into a room. Just be present. You don't have to know what to say," recalled Veroba, adding she always loved Sister Roseanne for the message.
The congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph dates back to 1650 France, Veroba said, and they came to the U.S. in 1836 and then Toronto in 1851. They have always looked to help the less fortunate.
Estevan had an 18-bed hospital that was destroyed by a fire in 1936. The people of Estevan were tasked with building a new hospital in the midst of the Great Depression. The community was very poor, and an archbishop in Regina turned to the Order of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peterborough, Ont., for help. Estevan and Melville both needed a health-care facility.
"The sisters asked which community is the poorest, which community has the most need, and the answer was Estevan," said Veroba.
They agreed to finance and staff the new hospital in Estevan, and on Nov. 26, 1938, just 5 1/2 months after turning sod, a new four-story hospital was opened. A handful of sisters came to Estevan and planned, directed and worked in the hospital. Veroba noted they were very young and came from their homes to work at St. Joe's.
"There were many sisters over the years who came and committed to providing health care for Estevan and area, striving for excellence and to always improve the care," said Veroba.
The hospital expanded a few years after it opened, and it grew further in bed count and services in 1956 – the year before Estevan became a city. Another new wing was built in 1964, and the final expansions happened in 1974 and 1978. The current building was constructed and opened in the early 1990s.
"The core of it follows the guidelines of the sisters who first built this care. They answered the questions of what are the needs, how can we help, always looking to fill the gap."
In attendance were Sisters Irene Baker, Eileen McManus and Sandra Boyer, who spent many years in Estevan.
Baker said she couldn't adequately express their appreciation for the honour, which was unexpected. She added it gave them a reason to come back to Estevan.
"We haven't been here in a long time, so this is such a treat and it's been so wonderful to be back among all of you," said Baker. "All of the stories we've heard all of our community lives about Estevan have always been so inspiring."
Younger sisters have an appreciation for the people of Estevan, she said.
According to Baker, her greatest source of pride is to see what people at the hospital and in the community have done to carry on the tradition. When they had a tour of the hospital, they became very proud, and it gave them absolute joy to know they played a small part in getting it started.
"You honour us today, but in fact, we owe you. We have received so much more from you. Those early people of Estevan, of which you are the sons and daughters, showed us generosity beyond words. You showed us your spirit. You know what? You showed us joy and happiness in the purest, simplest of God's gifts that surround us at all times."
Baker received a standing ovation, not just for her speech but for the sisters' contributions to Estevan.
A video noted the trailblazers did their work with vision, strength and a commitment to lasting change, and their names are spoken with respect, while they inspire the next generation to dream bigger and lead boldly.
