Sister Clare Fitzgerald (Marion Therese)
Following her profession, Sister Clare’s career focused on caring for the sick, beginning her nursing career in 1959 as a Registered Nurse at the Halifax Infirmary. In 1961, she obtained her Diploma in Nursing and Supervision from Dalhousie University. A dedicated nurse, Sister Clare stayed current with advances in nursing technology to provide the best possible care throughout her entire career. This commitment led to her specialization in Radiology at St. Louis University in 1963. She later worked as an X-ray Technician at the Halifax Infirmary from 1966 to 1970. A native of Edmonton, Sister Clare returned to her roots to serve the Province of Alberta as a nurse. In 1971, Sister Clare began her tenure as Director of Nursing at Immaculata Hospital in Westlock, Alberta—a place she often remembered fondly. She cherished the friendships and connections she made during her time there. While at Immaculata Hospital, Sister Clare worked alongside other Sisters of Charity–Halifax, who were known for “running a tight ship and stretching the dollar to remarkable levels” to ensure that every patient received the care they deserved. They led their ministry with kindness, empathy, and comfort that deeply touched both patients and healthcare providers. Sister Clare provided twenty years of service in the community of Westlock, leaving a legacy of care and humane service that endures today. In her semi-retirement, she served as Provincial Treasurer for the Western Provinces from 1992 to 1996. In 2008, Sister Clare returned to Nova Scotia to reside at Caritas Residence. Though her nursing ministry had ended, she continued to serve her community as a Finance Assistant in the Halifax Office of the Sisters of Charity Centre.