Sr. Brendalee Boisvert
Congregation Leader
Born in Prescott, Ontario, Sr. Brendalee taught in the Ottawa-Carlton Catholic School Board before entering the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Martha in 1980. She made first commitment in 1982 and professed her perpetual commitment in 1988. Sr. Brendalee did her undergraduate studies at Queen's University and went to Ottawa Teacher's College. She later did a Master's degree in Spirituality at Boston College and a second degree in Adult Faith Formation at Boston College. She is grateful to the Congregation for the wonderful background that these degrees provided. Since entering, Sr. Brendalee has taught elementary school, worked in Adult Faith Formation in the Caribbean, offered Spiritual Direction and served as an Associate University chaplain at St. Francis Xavier University for 6 years. In 1994, she was elected to the Congregation leadership and served for 2 terms until 2004. She was elected as Assistant Congregation Leader for the 2009-2014 term. In 2014, she was elected as Congregation Leader and re-elected for the same position for 2019-2024, and 2024-2029, a third term. Sister Brendalee has a creative spirit and is an accomplished musician who enjoys singing and sharing her musical talents at various events. She believes strongly in Religious life and in the witness of family life which assisted her in making a choice to live her call to Religious life.
Sr. Donna Brady
Assistant Congregation Leader, Councillor
Sister Donna from Wetaskiwin, Alberta entered the Sisters of St. Martha in 1966. The Adult Education studies helped shape her community development work, parish positions, program planning and environmental work. Working on the Bethany Property continues to delight her as it is a place where God’s abundant beauty adds joy to each day. She is serving her third term on the Leadership team and her second term as Assistant Congregation Leader.
Sr. Josephine MacLellan
Councillor
Born and raised in Grand Mira, Cape Breton, Sister Josephine was the youngest of a large family. She entered the Congregation in August of 1957 and pronounced Final Vows in 1962. She became a Registered X-Ray Technician in 1962 and served in that capacity in some of CSM hospitals. Sr. Josephine attended the Toronto School of Theology and became interested in Canon Law. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Canon Law from St. Paul University in Ottawa in 1990. She served in the Marriage Tribunal in Sydney and the Chancery Office in Antigonish. She was a Councillor on the Leadership Team from 1994 - 1998.
Sr. Claudette Gallant
Councillor
Born in New Waterford, Cape Breton, NS, Sister Claudette entered the Congregation in 1960. She received her BA and BEd from St. Francis Xavier University and taught primary grades for 10 years. She has an MA in Pastoral Care from St. Paul University and another in Adult Faith Formation from Regis University. Sr. Claudette spent many years doing pastoral ministry on the Inverness Team and in Northern Cape Breton with Project North; she was also an Administrator of Parishes in Newfoundland for ten years in 1990s. In addition, she held a role of Director of Martha Associates for five years, and Co-Director for two more. Since 2009, she shared her gifts serving Sydney Mines and surrounding area parishes. This is her second time of the Leadership Team; she was an Assistant Congregation Leader on 2004-2009 Team.
Sr. Jovita MacPherson
Councillor
Sister Jovita grew up in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. She entered the Sisters of St. Martha in 1975 and professed her perpetual commitment in 1984. Jovita graduated from StFX University in 1972 with a BA followed by a BEd in 1973. She taught school two years before entering the Congregation. After entering, she continued in the teaching ministry, serving in many geographical areas of Canada from East to West. Sr. Jovita later did further studies at both University of Toronto and Boston College. This study helped prepare her for both University Chaplaincy and creating a street ministry for people who struggle with poverty and live on the streets. Sr. Jovita loves the creative nature and diverse encounters that are so much part of living religious life. This is her second time in Congregation Leadership as a Councillor.
Sr. Joanne O'Regan
Congregation Secretary
Born and raised in Toronto, Sister Joanne holds a B.A. in Christianity and Culture from the University of St. Michael's College (Toronto), an M.A. in Conflict Studies from Saint Paul University (Ottawa), and an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College. Sr. Joanne entered the Sisters of St. Martha in 2001 and made perpetual profession of vows in 2009. She has been involved in various areas of Social Justice Ministry including Peace Education at the Coady Institute. As many changes come to Religious Life, Sr. Joanne is hopeful about the future and the contributions this way of life offers. She completed two terms on the Leadership Team as General Councillor (2014-2019 and 2019-2024). She has been a General Secretary since 2016 and will continue in this role till 2026.
Sr. Elizabeth Riopelle
General Treasurer
Sister Liz hails from Lowell, Massachusetts. She entered the Congregation in 1962 and made final vows in 1970. She is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University, where she obtained a BBA and later received the accounting designation of CPA, CGA. Her ministries were all in the field of finances - Hospital Director of Finance, Hospital Budget Manager and Congregation Treasurer for many, many years (1973-85, 1999-2014, 2019-24). She served as a General Councillor of the Congregation for a 5-year period in 1989-1994. While finances are her field of study and the focus of her ministry, a major source of energy and life for Sr. Liz is reading and reflecting on the new cosmology. As General Treasurer appointed for a 2-year term, Sr. Liz participates in Board meetings and is a member of the Leadership Team.