Meet Our Executive
*list updated December 5, 2022
Most Rev. Stephen Jensen, Bishop of the Diocese of Prince George
National Spiritual Advisor
Fran Lucas
National President and Chairperson of International Relations
Shari Guinta
President-Elect & Chairperson of Organization
Betty Colaneri
First Vice-President & Chairperson of Communications
Cathy Bouchard
Second Vice-President & Chairperson of Spiritual Development
Janet McLean
Secretary-Treasurer
Anne-Marie Gorman
Past President & Chairperson of Laws
Dorothy Johansen
National Chairperson of Christian Family Life
Faith Anderson
Chairperson of Community Life
Margaret Schwab
Chairperson of Education and Health
Rolande Chernichan
Chairperson of Resolutions
Glenda Carson
Chairperson of Legislation
Kim Scammell
Executive Director
Mary Hunt
Alberta Mackenzie Provincial President
Sharon Geiger
B.C. & Yukon Provincial President
Crystal Reiter
Manitoba Provincial President
Allison Klemen
Military Ordinariate Provincial President
June Brown
New Brunswick Provincial President
Judy Hodge
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial President
Joline Belliveau
Nova Scotia Provincial President
Linda Squarzolo
Ontario Provincial President
Gay Garvey
Prince Edward Island Provincial President
Alice Noble
Quebec Provincial President
Connie Crichton
Saskatchewan Provincial President
Most Rev. Stephen Jensen, Bishop of the Diocese of Prince George
National Spiritual Advisor
Bishop Stephen Jensen was born May 30, 1954, in North Vancouver, BC. He attended St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario, where he received his BA in Philosophy in 1976 and a Master of Divinity in 1979.
He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Vancouver on May 24, 1980. From 1984 to 1998, he was a pastor in three parishes: Immaculate Conception and Corpus Christi in Vancouver and St. Ann’s in Abbotsford.
Since 1984 he has served on the Catholic School Board, overseeing 46 elementary and secondary schools in the Vancouver Archdiocese. He was named a Prelate of Honor in 1996 and Vicar for Education in 1997, assisting with elementary and secondary Catholic schools and adult catechesis.
In 2001 he earned a doctorate in Education, specializing in educational leadership, at the Jesuit University of San Francisco. In 2009, the Most Rev. J. Michael Miller, CSB, Archbishop of Vancouver, named him Vicar General of the Archdiocese.
He was Moderator of the Curia and Vicar for Evangelization and Education, member of the Archdiocesan Finance Council, Chair of the Steering Committee of the annual archdiocesan appeal, and a member of archdiocesan advisory boards for Catholic cemeteries, evangelization, stewardship and vocations.
On January 3, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Prince George. His episcopal ordination and installation, conferred by the Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, Archbishop of Vancouver – assisted by Bishops David Monroe of Kamloops and Brian Dunn of Antigonish – at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Prince George on April 2, 2013.
Fran Lucas
National President and Chairperson of International Relations
Fran has been a League member for 31 years. She is married to George, and her son and daughter-in-law have blessed them with two grandchildren. Born to parents of Polish descent, she was born and raised in Chipman, Alberta.
Fran has been national chairperson of the organization, community life and education and health, Alberta Mackenzie provincial chairperson of education and health, chairperson of organization at the provincial, diocesan and parish levels, and Edmonton diocesan chairperson of spiritual development.
Special League projects, committees, meetings and presentations Fran has worked on include:
- Planning Strategically Liaison from the implementation committee to the national executive/board.
- Chaired and co-chaired various fundraisers in the Edmonton Archdiocese, with funds going to the Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation, Valour Place, etc.
- Worked with the Edmonton Catholic Schools board’s program specialist to create a Catch the Fire! curriculum for high school use and assisted in the delivery of the pilot (2013-2014)
- member of the ad hoc national leadership development committee (Catch the Fire!) and subsequent facilitator for Catch the Fire! (2010-2012)
- chaired diocesan council (Edmonton) Centennial Gala Committee (2012)
- Member of the national subcommittee of Christian family life to develop an administration manual for the Catholic Girls’ League. Organized a Catholic Girls’ League at Jean Forest all Girls Leadership Academy (All Girls)
- organized the first university parish council at the University of Alberta
- League representative on the committee for (biannual) Catholic Conference in 2008 and 2010
- chaired 2002 Edmonton Archdiocesan World Youth Day Accommodations Committee
- A member of Archbishop Collins’ strategic planning committee on “The Definition of Marriage.”
- as member of the Edmonton Diocesan Fieldworkers for eight years, developed and delivered workshops and chaired the group for two years
- started a young women’s group whose mandate was to recruit League membership
- Sat on a League liaison committee with the Edmonton Catholic Schools board.
In August 2014, Fran accepted an invitation from the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace to nationally represent the League on a solidarity trip to the Philippines with nine others.
In 2015, Fran worked with Salt + Light Television in its production of a video on the League, For God and Canada. In 2018, she represented the League at the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations conference in Dakar, Senegal.
In 2018 Fran retired while managing Volunteer Services and Community Relations Departments for a large not-for-profit organization with a base of more than 1,200 volunteers. Her previous position with this organization was as a manager of training and development.
Shari Guinta
President-Elect & Chairperson of Organization
Originally from Nova Scotia, Shari moved to Toronto to attend college and finally settled in Waterloo, Ontario, with her husband, Peter. They have two adult children.
Shari’s League journey began in 1986 at Sacred Heart Parish Council (Kitchener). When she attended her first meeting, she was asked to serve as recording secretary, and she became parish council president in 1991. Following that, she served on the Hamilton Diocesan Council and was diocesan president from 2001 to 2003. While diocesan president, she initiated the first diocesan vocations mass, a mass celebrated in the Diocese of Hamilton each year to profile and pray for vocations.
Once elected to Ontario Provincial Council, Shari served as treasurer, chairperson of spiritual development and organization, and provincial president from 2009 to 2011. Elected to the national executive in 2012, she served as chairperson of resolutions, secretary-treasurer and chairperson of spiritual development before becoming president-elect and chairperson of the organization.
Shari received her life membership in 2005 and is active in her parish, St Michael, Waterloo as a minister of the word and a member of the parish finance council. She also serves on the diocesan finance council for the Diocese of Hamilton, and in 2014, Shari was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal.
She is currently president of Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes and is a director on the board of directors for Good Shepherd Centres.
Being a businesswoman, she is the chief executive officer of Harbour Concepts Inc., a condominium management company, and owns SAG Concepts & Consulting, specializing in nonprofit housing management.
Shari is thankful to have met so many intelligent, spiritual, insightful women through the League and looks forward to her continued journey.
Betty Colaneri
National First Vice-President and Chairperson of Communications
Raised in Ignace, Ontario, Liberina was born as a first-generation Canadian in Dryden, Ontario, as Ignace did not have a hospital. Known as Betty, she has kept her birth name given in honour of her grandfather. The family moved to Fort William, Ontario, which amalgamated with Port Arthur, Ontario, to become Thunder Bay. In 1970, the family moved once again to Niagara Falls, Ontario and became parishioners of St. Thomas More Church. Betty pursued her love of music as a singer and saxophone player during her high school years while joining a local band that performed for dinner dances and weddings.
She became a legal assistant working for a law firm in Niagara Falls until her marriage to Nick in 1984. Choosing to build a house on a vineyard owned by the Colaneri family in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; they still reside there today. The vineyard was a wonderful place to raise her two sons, Nicholas, 31 and Christopher, 26. Betty and her sister Angie married brothers, making family gatherings very convenient and memorable. In addition to working for Welcome Wagon and organizing bridal fashion shows twice a year, she helped her husband’s business. Currently, Betty is the marketing manager, event planner and creative consultant for the family-owned winery.
Betty joined The Catholic Women’s League in 1986 as it appealed to her as a way to give back to the parish. She became chairperson of several standing committees on the parish and diocesan levels before becoming the diocesan president for St. Catharines from 2001 to 2003. Betty has served on the provincial executive since 2003 as newsletter editor, chairperson for communications, Christian family life, spiritual development and organization.
The highlight of Betty’s service (at the provincial level) was being elected Ontario provincial president from 2013 to 2015, followed by her term as past president. Betty has also served as a sub-committee member for the national council under Christian family life, education and health and community life. She received her Maple Leaf service pin and was honoured with life membership in 2005. Over the years, Betty has volunteered for many organizations and has given presentations and workshops such as “When Life Hands You Lemons, Give Them Jesus, Then Lemonade.” She is a cantor, Minister of the Word, and a pastoral council member at her parish.
Presently, Betty serves as community life chairperson and chairperson for the 100th-anniversary committee for the national council of the League. She feels that the best part of being in the League, which has been a spiritually enriching and rewarding experience filled with blessings, is having sisters all across Canada to pray with in times of joy or to help carry the cross in times of sadness, walking with her on her spiritual journey.
Cathy Bouchard
National Second Vice-President and Chairperson of Spiritual Development
Cathy Bouchard is a retired teacher who lives in Red Deer, Alberta. Married to David, Cathy is the mother of four adult children and eight grandchildren.
Cathy has served in her parish council and diocesan council in many leadership positions, and this is her second term on the national executive/board. She previously held the position of national chairperson of resolutions. Cathy is a former president of Alberta Mackenzie (2015-2017) provincial and Edmonton (2007-2009) diocesan councils.
One of the courses she has facilitated that stands out for her, which she delivered with the Edmonton diocesan president, was a component of Catch the Fire! for priests. She hopes to continue this work with spiritual advisors.
Cathy has supported her parish community of Sacred Heart for many years serving in the ministries of lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Eucharist, parish pastoral council and leader for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Cathy has been a professed member of the Secular Franciscans for 36 years and has held leadership positions in this organization.
She looks forward to the experience of being the national chairperson of spiritual development and offering the gifts God has given her.
Marie Rackley
National Secretary-Treasurer
Marie Rackley is a Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Parish Council member in Saint John, New Brunswick. She joined the League in 1971 and is a third-generation member, growing up with her mother and grandmother involved in League activities.
Marie has served as parish council president and held various chairpersons’ positions. She was the Saint John diocesan president from 1998 to 2000 and the New Brunswick provincial president from 2016 to 2018. Marie received her life member pin in 2014 at the Saint John diocesan convention. Over the years, Marie has been involved in annual national conventions held in New Brunswick—Saint John in 1989 and Fredericton in 2014. She has facilitated many workshops and has served on many committees.
Marie is married to her soulmate Marvin, whom she met while bowling with the Knights of Columbus Friday evening League. She retired from the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Saint John in 2016 as controller, which she held for 31 years. She is actively involved with her parish, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Saint John.
Marie attributes the League to giving her faith to grow and the strength to accept the challenges of today. Many friendships have formed with members whom she considers her sisters to her extended family.
Anne-Marie Gorman
National Past President and Chairperson of Laws
Anne-Marie (Foreman) Gorman (Anne) was born into the middle of a large family of eight boys and one other girl. She lived on the family farm in Stanley, New Brunswick, until university at St. Francis Xavier University, followed by a teaching career, marriage and birth of two sons and two daughters. Graduate work in Maine and the University of New Brunswick provided opportunities to work as guidance counsellors and school administrators. Besides her deep faith, her passions include sports of all kinds and the many years she spent coaching basketball, volleyball, and badminton.
Her League journey began in 1977 following her mother’s death, who was a 40-year member. Many reading and attending diocesan and provincial conventions lead to work as a standing committee chairperson in many areas, the most rewarding in spiritual development and resolutions. After retiring as provincial past president, she continued her service at the national level, serving with national presidents Velma Harasen (2010-2012), Betty Anne Brown Davidson (2012-2014), Barbara Dowding (2014-2016) and Margaret Ann Jacobs (2016-2018) as resolutions, legislation, spiritual development and organization chairperson respectively. The opportunity to take adopted resolutions of the League to Ottawa to discuss and seek action from federal ministries on behalf of the membership was one of the highlights.
As national president-elect, she served on the steering committee of what became The Catholic Women’s League of Canada Plans Strategically and was privileged to visit ministries of the federal government during her term. She became national president and began her two-year during the 98th annual national convention in Winnipeg in 2018. She was privileged to see the future of the League coming to life through the implementation of the strategic plan monthly meetings. She visited several working group meetings virtually, where she witnessed the faith, energy, passion and service of the dozens of volunteers whom the Holy Spirit guided to the various positions.
Anne was married to Keith, widowed in 2003, is the proud mother of four children and their spouses, and the loving Nana to eight grandchildren. She married John Whalen in 2017 and happily spent as much time as the League work allows with family.
“God is God, and I am not. I can only see a part of the picture [God’s] painting…”, said Steven Curtis Chapman. Anne firmly believes she was brought to this beautifully formed, though an imperfect, organization called The Catholic Women’s League of Canada through no thoughts and prayers of her own, but said yes when called.
For some reason, she needed to be where she was for not two but three years until her term as national president concluded in August 2021. While it was an honour she dreamt not of, it was a privilege to serve and to be with her sisters across Canada physically for the first year of her term, then virtually until the unique conclusion.
May God continue to bless the League with longevity and leaders who will continue to serve God and Canada.
Dorothy Johansen
National Chairperson of Christian Family Life
Dorothy Johansen was born in Calgary, Alberta and currently lives in Edmonton. Dorothy is married to Michael, and they have one daughter. Following her mother’s advice that it was an excellent way to make friends quickly in a new parish, she became a member of the League in 1985. She is currently a member of the St. Thomas More Parish Council (Edmonton).
Dorothy received her post-secondary education at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (bachelor of science degree in physical geography.) After working for a few years, she attended the University of Alberta (bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering) and completed two certificates in oil sands technology and management development. She has retired from her engineering career and created a family business to pursue her passion for owning and operating a store that caters to quilters and needleworkers.
The League is still a source of sisterhood, friendship and opportunity. The opportunity presented was to grow with knowledge in the areas under each standing committee and learn and practice executive leadership skills by serving the members at the parish, regional, diocesan, and provincial levels.
Dorothy became the national chairperson of Christian family life at the national level in August 2021.
Faith Anderson
National Chairperson of Community Life
Faith was born in Grandview, Manitoba and moved to Winnipeg at ten years old. She has been a member of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish Council for 37 years and has been president at the parish, diocesan and provincial levels. Having served in most positions, she found her most challenging and daunting experience as diocesan resolutions chairperson. Faith received her life membership from the St.Boniface Diocesan Council in 2008.
The League has been a source of sisterhood and personal growth for Faith and provides a vehicle for learning. She has been a Catch the Fire presenter and has presented several personal growth programs and resolution workshops for the past ten years. Each challenge Faith encounters enriches her personal development and offers a new way to actively be involved in her faith with this beautiful organization which stretches from sea to sea.
Faith is married to Jim. They had three children – Jason, Janice (who passed away in 2004) and Crystal. Together they enjoy travelling to Alberta to visit their son and two granddaughters and spoil and dote on three grandchildren who live in Winnipeg. Spending time at their cottage in Whiteshell Provincial Park offers the likes of hiking, boating and fishing. Faith enjoys oil painting, sometimes acrylic painting, and quilting and is a member of a writing group that has provided articles for the Prairie Messenger.
Faith began her journey on the national council as the chairperson of education and health.
Margaret Schwab
National Chairperson of Education and Health
Margaret was raised on a farm in Saskatchewan (not far from the city of Saskatoon), where she now resides. She first joined the League at St. Peter the Apostle parish in Saskatoon in 1976, then moved to Holy Spirit parish, where she continued her involvement in the League.
On Saskatoon Diocesan Council, she held the position of chairperson of the education, spiritual development and organization standing committees and as president and past president/archivist. Once she joined the Saskatchewan Provincial Council, she held the positions of the chairperson of the resolutions, spiritual development and organization standing committees, president and now, past president.
In between parish and diocesan activities, she served on the CWL Clothing Depot board with one term as chairperson. She chaired the 2003 national convention held in Saskatoon and spent six years representing CWL on the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Foundation, where she served one term as chairperson. Many years ago, she assisted Life Member Mary Nordick in presenting the national program Project Grow to parish councils within the Saskatoon diocese.
Margaret is active in the Saskatoon Craft Guild and the Saskatoon Quilters Guild when not involved with the League. She has also spent many years involved with the Girl Guides of Canada. Up until eight years ago, she worked as a laboratory technologist at Prairie Diagnostic Service, WCVM, supplying diagnostic services to veterinarians in the western provinces.
Upon retirement, Margaret rejoined Guiding as a Trefoil Guild member. Her love of sewing led her to take up quilting after her retirement in 2013, and quilting has become quite a passion.
Margaret and her husband Don have been married for 47 years and have one son and two daughters. While they enjoyed being parents, nothing compares to their current pastime of being grandparents to a beautiful grandson and four beautiful granddaughters.
Rolande Chernichan
National Chairperson of Resolutions
Rolande Chernichan, who is of French-Métis heritage, is a fraternal twin who grew up the eldest girl in a family of 13 children in the farming community of Fisher Branch, Manitoba. After high school, she moved to Winnipeg for employment. She married the love of her life, Bob, in 1973, and they made their home on a five-acre rural property in Ile-des-Chênes, Manitoba.
Rolande worked as a medical secretary-receptionist for several years before partnering with her husband, Bob, in their home-based business and a golf course.
Rolande and Bob are blessed with five beautiful children, and Rolande eventually became a full-time stay-at-home mom. She is the bookkeeper for the family business and gives her time as a volunteer in her parish of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, the community, and its schools.
Rolande was introduced to the League by invitation of the National President Evelyn Wyrzykowski, who sought her to become the president of a parish council that Evelyn wished to organize. Evelyn was naturally too busy to be Rolande’s mentor but assured her the League had all the resources necessary to lead a council and that all one had to do was read. Rolande accepted the call, serving as charter president of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Parish Council in 1989, holding membership with that council for the past 32 years. Rolande initiated her council’s monthly newsletter to keep members connected and informed, which a dedicated member is still publishing. Rolande has assisted in the research and development of all 22 resolutions adopted by her parish council, five of which were adopted at the national level. In 2012, Rolande was awarded the maple leaf service pin by her council.
League experience for Rolande has come from serving in several officer positions at the parish, diocesan and provincial levels and on several ad hoc committees. From 2008 to 2010, she served as St. Boniface Diocesan President, a term marked by celebrating the 60th anniversary of the council and implementing email communication to parish councils. Her service at the diocesan level included developing and facilitating resolution workshops and workshops aimed at CWL leadership training.
She also initiated two diocesan council resolutions and co-authored manuals for conducting elections at the parish, diocesan and provincial levels, supported by electronic files for ease of use. In 2016, Rolande was awarded life membership.
Her service at the provincial level included being a facilitator for Catch the Fire! Workshops, developing and facilitating S’mores as well as annual resolutions workshops. She was appointed to the national resolutions committee from 2014 to 2016. Rolande served as president of the Manitoba Provincial Council from 2017 to 2019, a term marked by celebrating the 70th anniversary of the provincial council, hosting the national convention by Manitoba in 2018, the launch of the Manitoba Provincial Council’s website, as well as the start of implementing the League’s strategic plan in her provincial council.
Membership in the League has been a gift to Rolande, who quickly admits that she has gotten more out of being a member than she could have imagined. She has experienced spiritual growth, she has learned skills that have served her well in other organizations, Rolande has gained confidence in leadership and public speaking, and she has a fuller appreciation of the broader impact of the League beyond the parish level.
Roland also has a greater awareness of social justice issues and avenues to address them, she has been supported and affirmed by the sisterhood of the League, and she feels blessed to have the friendships of League sisters from coast to coast. Rolande has benefitted from the passion that her mother and sisters share as members. She delights that her three daughters are also members who have been supportive and who have shared their professional skills to assist her in leadership roles in the League.
Rolande is a charter member of the Manitoba Association of Parliamentarians, and she holds membership in the National Association of Parliamentarians.
Rolande has remained an active volunteer in her parish throughout her League service. In 1993 she was awarded the Prix Evangelium by Archbishop Antoine Hacault to serve her parish for several years as a volunteer coordinator of catechesis, for developing and facilitating sacramental preparation workshops, and serving on the pastoral council, as a trustee and on the liturgy committee. Rolande has served for several years as coordinator and trainer of ministers of the word, and she currently serves as a lector and a minister of the Eucharist.
Rolande and Bob have been blessed with nine beautiful grandchildren who keep them young at heart. They both enjoy being outdoors in their large yard, travelling, camping and making memories with their children and grandchildren. Rolande has a passion for growing flowers, so her greenhouse, flowerbeds and vegetable garden put her in touch with Creator God throughout the growing seasons.
She likes to spend “R&R” time in her hot tub with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in hand, reading, reflecting, praying, and surrounded by nature, no matter the season. She feels very blessed to have the support of Bob and her family as she begins in her new role, serving “For God and Canada” at the National League level.
Glenda Carson
Chairperson of Legislation
Glenda grew up on a farm in the small town of Golden Prairie, located in the southwest corner of Saskatchewan. Although very small, the Catholic community helped plant the strong roots of faith fostered by her family. Glenda eventually moved to Saskatoon, where she studied nursing and met her husband, George. After living in Saskatoon for a couple of years, George joined the navy, and their family was transferred to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The prairies never really left Glenda’s heart as home, as all her family was there following the birth of her two children. The small family and the beauty and warmth of the Maritime people cemented the feeling that Nova Scotia was also home.
Feelings of belonging in her adopted province were greatly fostered over the years by the wonderful relationships formed through St. Clement Parish Council and the diocesan and provincial councils. Although her mother had been a faithful member, the League was not particularly on Glenda’s radar as something to join until she was invited to a meeting by a St. Clement council member.
Being a new mother and spending a lot of time alone, as George was often at sea, the invitation seemed reasonable to try out. The League became the central focus of Glenda’s volunteer work. For more than 30 years, Glenda has served on many standing committees and in leadership roles. League service was often a tenuous balance between a demanding career as a clinical nurse specialist, lifelong studies that led to a doctorate in nursing and trying to always be there for her family.
The extraordinary Christian compassion of many League sisters and the strong spiritual connection and social justice focus of the League kept Glenda faithful in her membership.
The significance of League connections became especially evident when Glenda’s mother died during a visit to Halifax. Devastated by the loss, immediate comfort was found through her sisters in St. Clement Parish Council. Her mother’s funeral took place in Saskatoon, where the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Council played a significant role in providing comfort and solace for a grieving family and daughter, both by hosting the funeral reception and through the many hugs and beautiful smiles given and received.
The burial occurred in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. Standing at her mother’s graveside, Glenda looked up. At the edge of the graveyard were three women, lifelong friends of her mother, in League scarves. As a child, these women were part of Glenda’s life and faith community. This unique and beautiful cross-Canada spiritual connection of the League will be forever etched in Glenda’s mind and spirit, carrying her forward in faithful service “For God and Canada” for as long as she can make the journey.
Kim Scammell
Executive Director
Kim was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her education and work experience has been varied and interesting. To support herself while attending university, Kim worked at four part-time jobs concurrently. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science (Honors) with Distinction in 1988, majoring in genetics. Before graduation, she accepted employment with a public accounting firm and committed herself to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA).
Kim spent five years at an accounting firm performing audits, financial reviews and tax assistance for clients in various industries. Many of her clients were not-for-profit organizations, and she thoroughly enjoyed these audits. As a CA student and receiving practical on-the-job training, she was required to take accounting courses, two of which earned her Gold Medals.
After receiving her CA designation in 1991, Kim found employment in the industry, where she was employed as a controller for the past six years. Her responsibilities have included all aspects of finance and administration, allowing her to develop a keen business instinct.
Kim has volunteered with various organizations, primarily those supporting and increasing awareness of the mentally and physically challenged. She has also volunteered as a catechist in her parish and is currently on the school board.
Kim is married to David and has one son, two daughters, and two step-daughters.
Mary Hunt
Alberta Mackenzie Provincial President
Mary has been a League member for 27 years, after a friend invited her to a council meeting at Good Shepherd (Edmonton). As an only child, she had always longed for siblings and the League represented a graced opportunity for sisterhood and to grow in her Catholic faith. She was blessed to serve as Edmonton Diocesan President from 2015-2017 and is currently serving as provincial president until 2024.
Mary remains a parishioner of Good Shepherd Parish where she served on the parish pastoral council, as chairperson of the liturgy committee, and as Eucharistic minister and lector ministry coordinator. Since 2001, she co-chaired the Jasper Place Warming Ministry that feeds the poor and homeless during the winter months. From 2019-2022, Mary served as chairperson of the Alberta March for Life Association that promotes the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. She also served as a League representative for the GrACE initiative (Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education). Mary is passionate about all matters related to Catholic education and promotes it whenever possible.
During Mary’s working career, which spanned 28 years with the Province of Alberta, she had the honour of working for five lieutenant governors. She served as chairperson of the Monarchist League for Northern Alberta for five years and remains a board member. She also serves on the boards of directors of the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Edmonton United Services Institute. Volunteering has been an important part of her life. Mary has found many opportunities to grow in faith through service.
Along with her husband Larry, Mary has two grown children (son, Ryan and daughter, Clarissa), two granddaughters (Sierra and Hanna) and a grandson (Kael), who are all a source of joy and keep them busy. In Mary’s spare time, she enjoys creative writing, theatre, gardening, music and reading.
Mary’s goal for the next two years is to GROW the League by building relationships throughout Alberta Mackenzie. If every member would invite one other woman to join, membership would double…together we can make it possible!
Sharon Geiger
B.C. & Yukon Provincial President
Sharon joined the League in 1976 in Mackenzie, British Columbia and has been an active member since. She has held almost all executive positions between the parish, diocesan and provincial levels and was elected as president of B.C. & Yukon Provincial Council this year.
In 1985 she moved to Salmon Arm, where she chaired the annual bazaar and helped organize diocesan conventions. The last one in 2020, of course, was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her parish council, Sharon is involved with the archives, which is an ongoing process. The facilitation of S’Mores workshops has also been part of her activities in the League, as well as giving presentations on leadership and resolutions, and workshops on spirituality. At the annual national convention in Charlottetown, Sharon was proud to defend the resolutions from B.C. & Yukon Provincial Council.
One of Sharon’s highlights in the League has been the presentation of resolutions to the provincial government.
Sharon received her maple leaf service pin in 2011, and in 2017, Kamloops Diocesan Council gifted her with a life membership which she accepted with honour.
Sharon was born in Kamloops and raised in Oliver. She received her teaching certificate in 1973 from Notre Dame University in Nelson. She taught for three years in the public school system in Mackenzie. When she moved to Salmon Arm, she became a full-time mom of four and a volunteer (organizing many activities both in and away from school) until her children left home. Sharon and her husband are kept busy with their children and 12 grandchildren, who are the love of their lives.
Sharon has worked with the youth in her parish and organized retreats for them. She compiled one of the church directories for the parish and currently works at St. Joseph’s Parish in Salmon Arm as a pastoral associate. She coordinates a faith formation for the children program, facilitates and teaches the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program, facilitates an adult education program and has facilitated the Catholics Returning Home program. She has also directed a choir at the church for many years and has helped with many church activities.
Sharon loves the League and looks forward to working with her provincial team and meeting other members throughout B.C. & Yukon and across Canada.
Crystal Reiter
Manitoba Provincial President
Crystal is the oldest of three children, born in 1965 and not joined by her sister until later in 1970, she has always been a leader! She was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan and spent her early years in that area. She graduated from North Battleford Comprehensive High School in 1983 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in physical education at the University of Saskatchewan.
As often happens during the four years of obtaining a degree, Crystal met and fell in love with Daren, who comes from a small town in Saskatchewan and has a strong Catholic upbringing. Not a “cradle Catholic”, Crystal feels this led her to read and learn about many aspects of the faith. Marrying Daren brought her to Manitoba where his eventual employment with Manitoba Hydro led to living in various locations. Crystal has three sons, two daughters-in-law and three fabulous grandchildren. Family is a very important focus of Crystal’s life!
When the children were eight, six and four years old, Crystal, with the profound support of Daren, decided to embark upon a new career and obtained her Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Manitoba. She worked in orthopedics and medicine where she became the clinical resource nurse for the medicine ward at Selkirk and District General Hospital. She was able to obtain her certification as a hospice and palliative care nurse during these years. The last job she had was as the educational nurse at Betel Home in Selkirk.
Crystal was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, which led to the eventual end of her nursing career, but it opened up so many other opportunities! In 2013, Crystal and Daren were part of group with Ovarian Cancer Canada that fundraised for the opportunity to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro! This is a feat of which Crystal is quite proud – hardest thing ever! She has also been able to increase her activities within the League. Daren signed her up – before she really even knew what the CWL was about – “It’s what Catholic women do,” he said!
Well, after a first convention, she was hooked! This organization was on fire and the idea of lobbying the government and actually making a difference in the world was so exciting!
Allison Klemen
Military Ordinariate Provincial President
Allison grew up in a military family and is from “everywhere.” She was born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and moved soon after to Kingston, Ontario; then to Ottawa; overseas to Hamburg, Germany; back to Ottawa; and Severna Park, Maryland, where she graduated from high school. She joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and attended the Royal Military College of Canada. She played on the women’s soccer team and graduated with a bachelor’s of arts degree in military psychology and leadership. She was released from the CAF in 2003 and continued to serve as a military spouse through another seven postings to Comox, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; New Maryland, New Brunswick; Montgomery, Alabama; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and her current location of Rome, New York. She currently works for Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services as a military family services coordinator. She and Josh, her husband of 18 years, have five children ages four to 16. Allison is a cradle Catholic who leads her family in faith and whose love for the church grew out of the graces of marriage and motherhood.
Allison joined the League at the base chapel at 19 Wing Comox, newly posted, pregnant with her first child, and looking for a way to contribute. Far away from her mother and grandmothers, she appreciated the love and support she received from her council. In her first year of membership, she agreed to let her name stand for first vice-president without any understanding of the League and became the council president by the following year. She has belonged to five other base councils since then and is grateful for the friendships she has made with her sisters in Comox, CFB Edmonton, 12 Wing Shearwater, CFB Gagetown, 17 Wing Winnipeg and CFB Kingston. She has really enjoyed travelling and attending conventions, including national conventions in Calgary, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, Regina and Halifax. Other highlights of service include visiting St. Alexander Parish at Sagkeeng First Nation, sitting at the table as a guest of the Manitoba Provincial Council as it presented resolutions to the premier, and developing and delivering a workshop on interreligious dialogue at a Military Ordinariate provincial convention. In addition to president-elect, she has held the provincial level positions of chairperson of the spiritual development, education and health, Christian family life and community life standing committees.
Allison’s goals as Military Ordinariate President are to help councils manage transition and embrace new ideas, encourage outreach, and foster growth in faith, service and social justice in the military community. She hopes to build stronger connections with women in the Protestant Chapel Guild and the US Military Council of Catholic Women. She is grateful for the challenge of leadership and honoured to be representing the Military Ordinariate Provincial Council on the national executive/board.
June Brown
New Brunswick Provincial President
June was born in the community of Barnettville outside the Village of Blackville on the beautiful Miramichi River. She moved to Moncton with her parents and grew up there at an early age. Years later, she was blessed by the birth of her sister Jill. Although she has lived away from the Miramichi for years, her family still maintains a summer home.
June’s journey began in Saint John in 1981 as a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Council (formerly St. Joseph’s Parish Council). Who knew that the invitation to attend that first meeting would lead to years of new friendships, love of the League and this great country? Since that time, June has served as her parish council chairperson of communications, recording secretary, president-elect, president (two terms) and past president.
Her time served on Saint John Diocesan Council began in 1996 as recording secretary for a two-year term; then from 2000–02 regional chairperson for Saint John/Kings Co., which turned into two more terms lasting until 2006, and June 2006-2008 served as second vice-president and chairperson of education and health. She was the first vice-president and chairperson of spiritual development (2008-2010), president-elect and chairperson of the organization (2010-2012) and diocesan president (2012-2014).
June has served the provincial council as chairperson of community life (2004-2006), treasurer (2006-2010), second vice-president and chairperson of communications (2014-2016) and first vice-president and chairperson of spiritual development (2014-2016).
From 2016 to 2018, June served as the first vice-president and chairperson of spiritual development, and from 2018 to 2019, as president-elect and chairperson of the organization. In October 2019, due to unforeseen circumstances, June became provincial president.
June’s other experience includes her time as a “Gertrude” Field Worker (1990-92), and she has presented workshops in Saint John/Kings Co. Region and the Miramichi Region. From 2007 to 2014, she was treasurer of the 2014 national convention planning committee, and in 2012 she was appointed provincial coordinator of Catch The Fire! She helped prepare and presented a workshop on preparing an annual report, and in May 2015, June received life membership.
In her personal life, June is the mother of two adult children. Her working life was spent as a helper in a private kindergarten. She then spent years as a parish secretary at St. Joseph’s Church in Saint John and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rothesay, a job which brought much gratification to her life. Now retired, June continues to volunteer at her church, a current member of the liturgy committee and the pandemic committee. June is also blessed because her parents are still in their own home and will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary in June 2021.
For more than 30 years, June has been a member of a local dance group, Fun’D Cloggers. The group has shared joy and sorrow over the years and has entertained at seniors’ homes and various social gatherings.
Encouraged by mentors, family and friends, the League has been an ongoing learning experience for June. The League of the future is exciting and open to new ideas and concepts.
Judy Hodge
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial President
The youngest of six children, Judy Hodge was born and raised in a small fishing community on the northeastern tip of Newfoundland and Labrador, better known as the Great Northern Peninsula. The French settled her hometown of Croque, and to this day, the community is a very integral part of the French Shore Historical Society. The community was and still is 100% Catholic. A very vivid memory of Judy’s childhood is walking to the community church every evening during Lent with her parents, siblings and other community members for the stations of the cross. The church door was always open. The church has been a very important part of her life, and she believes it has shaped her into the person she is today. Judy’s mother, an active member until her passing in 2007, thoroughly enjoyed the League’s sisterhood and particularly attending the provincial conventions, which were always enjoyable.
Judy joined the League in 2015 during an annual membership drive at her then parish of St. Thomas of Villanova in Conception Bay South. At that time, she was already very involved in her church as a lector, sacristan, and usher/greeter. During her years at St. Thomas of Villanova Parish, she was also chairperson of the parish council, a member of the regional pastoral council and finance council and served on several other committees.
Judy served as parish council president from 2017-2019 and, in June 2021, began her two-year tenure as provincial president. Much like her mother did, Judy enjoys the sisterhood and strongly believes in the League’s mission.
Having worked for the provincial government for 32 years, Judy recently retired in December 2021. Fresh into a new chapter of her life, she hopes to become more involved in her new parish of Mary Queen of the World, Mount Pearl. Her New Year’s resolution was to try and attend mass every day of the week—so far so good. Judy’s former co-workers were very much aware of her involvement in the League and at one point even helped her with a project that was ongoing at her council by knitting lap blankets for residents of local personal care homes. Her co-workers knitted 12 lap blankets in total for this very worthwhile project, and Judy was very appreciative of the kindness shown by them.
Judy has two adult sons, one in St. John’s and one in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She enjoys spending time with her boys and sisters, walking and watching the Toronto Maple Leafs. Judy is Catholic and Living It!
Joline Belliveau
Nova Scotia Provincial President
Joline is the oldest of six children and believes it helped her become a leader. She was born 68 years ago in Quebec City, where her father was finishing his education. Her parents eventually moved back to Nova Scotia, their home province. Joline is of French Acadian descent, and thanks to her mother, who only spoke French in the home, she can speak French reasonably well. Joline’s family settled in Yarmouth, where she attended grade school. She then attended Mount Saint Vincent Academy, followed by Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, where she obtained her university degree.
Joline describes her childhood as “fairly uneventful.” Some of her favourite memories include attending the 1967 International and Universal Exposition in Montreal with her parents and siblings and spending part of her summers with her grandparents and cousins on the “French” shore, swimming in the cold Atlantic ocean. Another of Joline’s fondest memories is her 14th birthday, when her father took her to Harris’ Seafood Restaurant for supper, well known for its great reputation and Clara Harris’ “Mile High Meringues,” which had been featured in an article in Gourmet magazine.
Joline worked at Export Development Canada (Ottawa, Ontario) for 12 years before moving home to Yarmouth, where she currently works as a medical secretary. She is single and lives with an almost 11-year-old English springer spaniel named Noel and five cats (Joy, Lucy, Oliver, Rusty and Stormy).
Travelling and running are two of Joline’s most recent interests. A few years ago, she ran a marathon, coming third in her age group.
Joline joined the League 20 years ago at the invitation of a friend and quickly became very involved. She loves the League and is blessed to have made many great friendships since joining. As a member, aside from forming great friendships, Joline believes the League has helped her grow as a Catholic woman by encouraging her to challenge herself, learn to listen to others and gain a deeper insight and respect for women.
Colleen Perry
Ontario Provincial President
Colleen was born and raised in the Ottawa area and still lives there with her family. Her children and grandchildren are the light of her life.
Colleen retired after a 42-year career with Bell Canada, a job she started as a summer position while initially studying to become a teacher. Her career took her through many technical positions, but she spent most of her years as a trainer and staff manager. Teaching was, after all, what she was meant to do!
Although public speaking has never been her favourite thing, she has never felt uncomfortable talking to members. Colleen loves to speak about her League journey and often talks to complete strangers about the League and its work.
An active member of her parish, Collen joined the League in 2003 when her pastor asked her to help re-establish the League in the parish. That first night she was elected president, later becoming Ottawa diocesan president from 2009 to 2011. Colleen was elected to the Ontario Provincial executive in July 2011 and served as chairperson of the legislation (2011-2013), communications (2013-2015), education and health (2015-2017) and organization (2017-2019) standing committees. In 2016, she was honoured to accept life membership.
As a focus for her term as provincial president, she has asked members to educate themselves and others on the topic of loneliness. Only by education and awareness can members begin to alleviate the loneliness suffered by those around them, including themselves.
Colleen leads a simple life of service, caring primarily for her aging parents in their 80s. She enjoys social interaction, which has inspired both her professional and personal life.
The League has provided Colleen with the opportunity to meet many wonderful women of faith and influence her personally and spiritually. It is her passion; just ask her!
Marilyn Gay Garvey
Prince Edward Island Provincial President
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Gay was blessed to receive a Catholic education. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing with a diploma as a registered nurse in 1965. Following graduation, Gay worked at Scarborough General Hospital and, during this time, met her future husband, Tom. They married in 1967 and moved to the United States to be close to his family in Philadelphia and to complete his university studies. Following this, they moved to Prince Edward Island in 1971, where they raised their five children. Unfortunately, Tom passed away in 2015 after a lengthy illness. Not long after, Gay’s oldest son Michael died. Although greatly missed, she knows they are at home and at peace with the Lord. Gay’s four surviving children and 11 grandchildren are the joy of her life and keep her very busy.
A member for 37 years at St. Dunstan’s Basilica Parish Council (Charlottetown), Gay was on the provincial executive from 1998-2002 and again more recently, from 2016 to the present. Her introduction to the League was shortly after the birth of her third child when two members of the local parish council brought her a small gift and invited her to attend one of their meetings. She was impressed with the pleasant visit because, at this time, she was a “stranger” and new to the parish. Gay became a member, but it was only in time that she began to understand the complexity and value of the organization.
In 1988, Gay became involved with a Canadian youth pro-life organization as a parent volunteer to educate youth on chastity and pro-life issues. This resulted in increased time commitment with annual conferences and meetings. St. Dunstan’s Parish Council said it could help her promote the conferences through the parish councils. Indeed it helped greatly and propelled Gay into the League’s mission and purpose, with the Objects of the League particularly resonating with her. Since then, Gay has been actively involved with the League in some capacity, currently as president and previously with most committees, except during times of family illness. Other areas of interest and organizations she has been involved with include Euthanasia Prevention Coalition and palliative care, PEI Right to Life Association and Ignatian Spirituality Exercises and Prayer Group. Her parish involvement includes assisting with Teen Encounter, catechetics, as Eucharistic minister, in the choir and most recently, assisting the COVID ministry. She was also a volunteer with the 4-H Club as a parent leader and baseball coach when her children were young.
Gay worked for 22 years at the Dr. John Gillis Memorial Lodge, long-term-care facility near Eldon. She was the director of nursing for 12 years and then a staff registered nurse until her retirement. At the same time, she obtained her registered nurse certification in gerontology, which gave her a greater understanding of the ageing process and the need for more home care and palliative/spiritual care, as well as resources for dementia and mental health.
Gay feels it is an honour to work with so many dedicated members concerned about caring for their environment and its people, their relationships with Indigenous peoples, pro-life issues, and more. Women guided by their faith, whether at the parish, provincial or national level, who serve “For God and Canada” are indeed a blessing for Gay.
Rosa Lam
Quebec Provincial President
Rosa Lam was born in Caracas, Venezuela, to a Chinese, non-Catholic father and a Venezuelan Catholic mother. Rosa is the firstborn daughter in her family and has six siblings.
Fifty years ago, Rosa found refuge in Canada after escaping an abusive husband. She has three children and is the proud grandmother to five grandchildren and great-grandmother to two great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.
With very little knowledge of English, Rosa began her studies at Sir George Williams University (now Concordia University), where she earned an honours science degree. Many years later, while raising her family and working full time, she obtained a master’s degree in computer science.
Rosa retired as a professor in the computer science department of Vanier College after 35 years of teaching.
While working as the head of the computer science department at Vanier College, Rosa met a beautiful man that became her husband and pillar for her church and League activities. Rosa believes, “Mike was the angel that God sent me.” The Lord called Mike home to heaven three years ago.
An active member of St. Luke Parish (Montreal), Rosa serves on the special events committee, including as a funeral server, and organizes a biannual multicultural festival.
Rosa enjoys travelling for leisure, pilgrimages and connecting with family. Her travels have brought her to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, parts of Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and North America.
As a member for 30 years, Rosa has held many positions in the League at many levels. One of her favourite League activities has been organizing pilgrimages, such as a visit to the Holy Door in Quebec City and helping to organize retreats at Saint Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal.
Connie Crichton
Saskatchewan Provincial President
Connie is the youngest of three girls and grew up in Watson, Saskatchewan, the Home of Santa Claus day. To welcome you to the town is a 20ft Santa and each year the town dedicates a whole weekend to Christmas celebrations. After completing high school in Watson, Connie attended the University of Saskatchewan and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. She began employment with Revenue Canada Taxation (later CRA) and retired from her 35-year career with the federal government in 2012.
A late joiner to the Catholic Women’s League, Connie was first inspired by the social justice aspects of the league, but this was soon followed by the joy of sharing her Catholic faith through positions on her parish council and later provincial council as Spiritual Development Chairperson. During her twelve years as a member Connie has served on her parish council as president as well as other executive positions. She has served as treasurer on both diocesan and provincial council and has served on provincial council since 2013. Connie has been a member of the marketing working group since May 2019 and has been excited by all the new resources created by the many working groups that are a part of the Implementation of the Strategic Plan..
Connie has served in her parishes of St. Patrick and then St. Mary in Eucharistic, music, and liturgical ministries. She has served on parish and diocesan pastoral councils, chaired the finance committee and has been on the diocesan Justice and Peace Advisory council for the past 13 years. Connie also was the treasurer of her husband’s CN Pensioners Association for eight years.
Connie has devoted her retirement years to volunteer work including prison, hospital, school, and care home ministries. Working with people is her greatest enjoyment. Once the snow has melted you will find Connie on the golf course, gardening or taking the grandchildren on an adventure. In winter you will find her at a rink watching her grandsons play hockey or at the pool swimming. One place it is hard to find her is at home!
Together with her husband Bill they have five children and six grandchildren. Connie and Bill take part in outreach ministry at both their parish of St. Mary’s and the Indigenous parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe providing weekly food hampers. The two parishes both celebrate Mass in the same church building, giving parishioners of both parishes an opportunity to share community life. Connie completed a four-course certificate education program “Indigenous Pastoral & Lay Leader Ministry” offered by the Saskatoon Diocese. This has inspired her to devote her term as president to promoting Indigenous history awareness and encouraging members in their journey towards reconciliation.
During the pandemic Connie began administrating the GoToMeeting virtual meeting platform for the provincial council that enabled the member to stay connected through an exceedingly difficult two years. For her efforts she was awarded the Maple Leaf Service medal by the Provincial Council.
Connie has been inspired and supported by many wonderful members and mentors and looks forward to continuing her work with the league for many years to come.