Sister Mary MacFarlane
Congregation Leader

Sister Mary MacFarlane was elected Congregation Leader in 2009.  She brings to this service her Upper Margaree, Nova Scotia roots and her fifty-five-year experience of living the Martha life of prayer, community and service.  She comes from a practice of spiritual accompaniment in Calgary, and has for many years been involved in adult faith and spiritual development.  For several years Sister Mary directed the Galilee Renewal Program at Arnprior, Ontario.  She has facilitated workshops for women in initial formation in Malawi and Zambia.  Teaching children in elementary grades was her first service, one she enjoyed in both Nova Scotia and Alberta.  This is Sister Mary's second call to congregation leadership.  Her first term was 1999-2004.

Sister Brendalee Boisvert
 Assistant Congregation Leader

Sr. Brendalee Boisvert, was elected to leadership first in 1994 and served for 2 terms, ending in 2004.  A native of Prescott, Ontario, Sr. Brendalee taught in the Ottawa-Carlton Catholic School Board before entering the Congregation in 1980.  She made first commitment in 1982, and professed her perpetual commitment in 1988.  Since entering, Sr. Brendalee has taught elementary school, worked in Adult Faith Formation in the Caribbean, received a certificate in Vincentian Spiritual Direction from Denver, Colorado, and served as the associate chaplain at St. FX University.

Sister Wilma Best
Councillor

Sr. Wilma Best, is serving her first term on Leadership having been elected in 2009.  She brings a wide variety of ministry experiences to the team having served as a teacher, a pastoral associate in several parishes, as well as other roles within the congregation.  Sr. Wilma was born and raised in Dingwall, Cape Breton.  She entered the congregation in 1962, made her first commitment in 1965 and made final profession in 1970. 

Sister Sandra Cooke
Councillor

Sr. Sandra Cooke is currently serving her second term on the Leadership team, having been first elected in 2004.  Sr. Sandra comes from Ingonish Center, Cape Breton and ministered as an elementary school teacher for several years.  She has also been involved in Adult Faith formation at the parish and diocesan levels.  She has also served as director of Martha Associates and director of Vocation Process.   Sr. Sandra entered the Martha's in 1958, made first profession in 1960 and final profession in 1965. 

Sister Elizabeth Riopelle
Congregation Treasurer

Sr. Elizabeth Riopelle, a native of Lowell, Massachusetts entered the Sisters of St. Martha in 1962, professed her first vows in 1965 and perpetual profession 1970.  Sr. Liz has an extensive background in accounting and finance.  She has ministered in several hospitals and has been congregation treasurer over several terms.  Sr. Liz has served on the board of directors for the Association of Treasurers for Religious Institutes in Canada and on several committees within the congregation.

Sister Jean Harris
CongregationSecretary

Sr. Jean Harris joins the Leadership Team as Congregation Secretary.  A dedicated Librarian before she entered the congregation in 1962, Sr. Jean continued to minister as a librarian in several provinces after her perpetual profession in 1970.  She has used her skills in both the formal and informal educational setting, and has served as Congregation Secretary for 3 Congregation Leaders.