Sr. Betty Janelle, SSA known as Sr.Elizabeth Marie
Born Nov.18, 1924 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA –the sixth of of seven
children born to Adelard and Ida Janelle (Bouffard).
Died Nov. 6, 2010 at The Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC
She entered the Sisters of St. Ann in 1944 and pronounced her vows in 1946
(Lachine, Quebec). Inspired by a desire to work with the Native people in
Alaska, Sr. Betty came to minister in British Columbia where she received
her Permanent Teaching Certificate through the BC Provincial Normal
School and began her 40 year long ministry as an elementary school
teacher. Sr. Betty taught in the Sisters of St. Ann and Parochial Schools
in Vancouver (St. Augustine’s, Little Flower Academy, and Immaculate
Conception), St. Ann’s Academy in New Westminster, St. Ann’s schools
in Duncan and Nanaimo, in Penticton at St. Joseph’s School, in Vernon at
St. James School. Sr. Betty travelled north to teach in Lower Post, BC as
well as in Juneau and Skagway Alaska. For a few years she returned east
to teach in Montreal and in her home State of Rhode Island. Upon return
to the west Sr. Betty taught part time at St. Joseph’s school in Nelson, BC
and served by visiting patients at Mount St. Francis Hospital followed by a
year of Pastoral Ministry in Westbank, BC. After retiring from teaching,
Sr. Betty served in the ministry of Hospitality at Queenswood Centre for
Spiritual Growth and St. Ann’s Residence. As an avid historian with a
knowledgeable command of the French language she worked with our
archives in translating documents as well as in researching and preparing
a history of The Sisters of St. Ann in Japan. Through volunteer work Sr.
Betty remained vitally active within the civic community.
Predeceased by her parents, Brothers Philip, Emile, Raymond, Laurence
and two sisters Helene Janelle Woods and Marie Janelle (Sister Louise
of Providence, L.S.P.) She is survived by Terry (Raymond) Janelle, Jim
and Lisa Janelle (nephew, Debbie Gilis (niece) and many nieces, nephews,
friends and her own community of Sisters of St. Ann.
Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. on
Tuesday Nov. 9, 2010 @ St. Ann’s
Residence, 2474 Arbutus Road,
Victoria, BC
The Mass of the Resurrection
at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday
Nov.10, 2010 also @ St. Ann’s
Residence. Interment following
at Hatley Memorial Gardens.