Hotel Dieu Hospital has been an important part of Bernadette's life. Now, she's giving back as both a volunteer and a donor.

"I came to Hotel Dieu Hospital as a student entering the St. Joseph School of Nursing when I was 18 years old. I graduated in 1949 and spent my whole career at the Dieu where I eventually filled the role of Director of Nursing for 17 years followed by a few more years as the Director for Patient Care. All but one of my children was born at Hotel Dieu Hospital and many of them had summer or part-time jobs at the hospital when they were teen-agers. Following my working career at the hospital, and for the last 17 years I have had a busy volunteer life with it — working on the information desk, working on various committees and becoming a member of the Board of Directors. I support Hotel Dieu Hospital with my time and also with donations because I know how important ambulatory care is to our community. Having spent my whole adult life connected with the hospital I know that the compassionate care people receive during their diagnosis and treatment here is second to none. That is important to me and I'm happy to try and help, not only with my volunteer work but also with the contributions I make."