Sister Loretta Bates
Lieu de naissance : Louisbourg, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Lieu de décès : Antigonish, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de décès : 19 juillet 2009
Sister Loretta Bates, formerly Sister M. Chrysostom, 107, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, died at Bethany, the motherhouse, on July 19, 2009, in the 85th year of her religious life.
Born in Louisbourg, N.S., she was the daughter of the late Lawrence D. and Jane (Kelly) Bates. The family moved to New Waterford and it was from there that Sr. Loretta entered the Sisters of St. Martha on Nov. 1, 1923. Sister pronounced her first vows May 21, 1925, and her perpetual vows July 6, 1930. Having begun studies in nursing prior to entrance, she completed the program and obtained her R.N. in 1926, her registered X-Ray technician certificate in 1927 and her laboratory technician certificate 1937.
She spent 54 years ministering in hospitals of the congregation both in the East and West as a nurse, lab and an x-ray technicians. She served in the Ross Memorial Hospital, and later St. Rita Hospital, Sydney; St. Joseph’s Hospital, Glace Bay, St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish, N.S., in Saskatchewan at St. Michael’s Hospital in Broadview, St. Peter’s Hospital, Mellville, in Alberta at St. Michael’s Hospital, Lethbridge, and Mineral Springs Hospital, Banff.
In 1975, Sr. Loretta retired from the health care ministry and came to Bethany where she continued to serve while enjoying her skills in crafts, such as glass work and candle making. In March of 2000, Sister entered Bethany’s Extended Care where she remained until her death. Her mind and spirit remained alert and active and would read the daily newspaper up until a few years ago.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by five sisters, Geraldine Gillis, Patricia MacNamara, Sister Mary, SC, Sister Jane, SC, Sister Irene, SC and Gertrude Walker, five brothers, Lawrence, Norbert, Wilfred, Martin and Willis.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews.
The remains will be resting at Bethany beginning in the afternoon of Tuesday, July 21 at 1:15, where a Celebration of Vigil will be held on the same evening at 7:30. Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place Wednesday, July 22 at 2 p.m. in Bethany Chapel.
Arrangements are under the direction of C. L. Curry’s Funeral Services, Antigonish.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com.
