Sister Loretta was born in Douglas, Ontario. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Pembroke and, upon final profession, adopted the religious name of Sister Columba. She served her Congregation faithfully for over 66 years.
After completing high school in Douglas, Sister Loretta continued her education and graduated from Teachers College. Her teaching career brought her to various schools in Prescott, Cobden, Pembroke, Deep River, Renfrew and Douglas in Ontario, as well as St. Joseph’s on Allumette Island, Quebec.
In addition to her teaching career, Sister Loretta furthered her education and became a Director of Formation. She served as a Retreat Director as well as a Pastoral Care Worker. In the latter years of her working career, she worked for the Ottawa Board of Education providing a learning environment for those students who were unable to attend school but thrived with learning from home. This newly created Home Tutoring included teaching students who were recovering from illnesses or were otherwise unable to participate in a school environment.
She was especially attentive to the religious needs of the residents at Supples Landing during her years there. Her family was very dedicated to serving the Church. Evidence of the close relationships within their family was the passing of her sister, Sister Teresa Rice, so close together, and in the Easter season, such a significant time in the Church.
Donations to our Peru Mission in memory of Sr. Loretta can be made through our website. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to pembroke@csjcanada.org