Sister Mary Beattie (Sister Fidelis)

It is with sadness that the Sisters of St. Joseph announce the death of Sister Mary Beattie (Sister Fidelis) on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, North Bay.  Sister Mary was born in North Bay, on February 15th, 1922.  Her family moved to Timmins, Ontario, where Mary pursued elementary and high school studies. The family then returned to North Bay, where Mary attended St. Joseph’s College, in 1939.  Following graduation in 1941, Mary attended the Registered Nursing Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital, North Bay.  Following graduation and eight years of nursing Mary continued post graduate studies in Obstetrics at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal.
Mary was engaged in private duty nursing in various places between North Bay, Ontario and Victoria, B.C. Sister Mary entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie, February 29, 1952 and received the name Sister Fidelis.  Nursing assignments included Sudbury General Hospital of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (1953-1955) followed by
three years at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Port Arthur.  In 1958, Mary went to Elliot Lake where she did preparatory work for the opening of the obstetrical unit.  She then returned to St. Joseph’s Hospital, North Bay where she ministered from 1960-1962.  In 1963 Mary attended the University of Ottawa where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education.  She then returned to Sudbury (1963-1966) where she taught the fundamentals of Nursing at the Marymount School of Nursing.  Sister returned to North Bay, where she was Director of Nursing Education (1967-1968), she then pursued studies at Carleton, University, Ottawa.
In 1970, on behalf of the Congregation, Sister Mary searched out the unmet needs in North Bay, which led to the planning and opening of the North Bay Crisis Centre.  With the assistance of Sister Jane Frances, a community house was set up to meet the interim needs of people in crisis.  This was done in collaboration with the Pro Cathedral of the Assumption.  Sister Mary was awarded a plaque of appreciation from the North Bay Crisis Centre in 1982. Sister Mary pursued ministry responsibilities in Albany, New York, Prince George, B.C., and Thunder Bay, Ontario, until her retirement in 1990.
Sister Mary is predeceased by her parents Cressy Beattie and Iris Eddy and brothers Adam and Elmer.  She is survived by her sister-in-law Joyce Beattie and nieces and nephews.
Sister Mary will be remembered for her dedication and commitment to the education and training of nursing students especially in the area of obstetrics.  Mary’s dreams in responding to unmet needs, wherever she served, were realized by working collaboratively with others in the areas of alcoholism, public health with senior citizens, the cancer society and the C.N.I.B.  Mary’s fierce determination and strong spirit of independence allowed her to live life to the full in spite of sight challenges.  Her golf game, bridge, commitment to physical exercise, daily walks and visiting with friends kept her young at heart.
The body of Sister Mary Beattie will be received at the Motherhouse at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, November 21st, 2014.  A prayer vigil will be held in the Holy Family Chapel at 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 22nd in the Sacred Heart Chapel.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery,
North Bay.

                                      May Sister Mary Rest In Peace.