Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Chesterfield Inlet (Nov 24/99) - When it comes to time spent on the job, any Northern organization would be hard-pressed to rival the performance of the Grey Nuns of Manitoba in Chesterfield Inlet.

Sister Denise Gauthier and Sister Laurette Allard were the last nuns to leave Chester after an emotional ceremony was held in September.

A total of 76 nuns served at Ste-Theresa Hospital, now known as St. Theresa Home, since 1931.

In looking back at her time spent in Chesterfield, Allard said every sister who came to St. Theresa's enjoyed their stay.

She said those still living do not tire in saying how much they would like to return if they were younger.

"I, myself, arrived in 1961 and worked for five years at Turquetil Hall," said Allard.

"I came back in 1990 and many things changed during the 14 years I spent there.

"I witnessed the creation of Nunavut and learned to know and love all the people there.

"I loved to meet with everyone after mass, even if I didn't always remember their names."

Allard said many people helped support St. Theresa's over the years.

Some were associated with the home almost as long as the Grey Nuns.

"I would like to say a very special thank you to Leonard and Leonie Putuluk, faithful helpers for close to 50 years.

"I don't think St. Theresa Home could have survived without Leonard."

Sister Gauthier spent more than four years in Chesterfield.

She said she believes the local staff of volunteers will continue to be dedicated to their work even though the Grey Nuns have left.

"Mother D'Youville started the sisters... a woman of prayer who loved working with the poor," said Gauthier.

"The sisters who came after followed her steps in so many ways, especially in Chesterfield Inlet for almost 70 years.

"The staff has to try and keep her spirit of caring and loving to continue the beautiful work done here."

Although the torch has been passed to new people on the job at St. Theresa Home, Gauthier said the spirit of those who served there will always be present.

"I will always keep the people of Chesterfield in my prayers and good memories.

"Co-ya-na-mie."