The Ottawa Catholic School Board is mourning the loss while celebrating the life of Zone 9 Trustee Sister Shelley Lawrence (RSCJ), who died on Monday, May 29, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Before becoming an OCSB Trustee in 2018, Sister Shelley spent 25 years serving the students, staff, families and the greater communities of St. Paul H.S., St. Matthew H.S., Immaculata H.S., and St. Francis Xavier H.S. as a chaplaincy leader.
OCSB Chair of the Board, Mark Mullan, said, “Sister Shelley helped students from every social and economic background thrive during her time in local schools. She spent her life in the service of Catholic education, and as Trustee, she worked to ensure Catholic schools are places where all students feel welcomed and cared for.”
OCSB Director of Education Tom D’Amico said Trustee Sister Shelley Lawrence (an OCSB Director of Education Commendation Award Winner for excellence in education and an Archdiocesan recipient for her work with youth) advocated for equity, inclusion, and purposeful change throughout her education career. And that commitment to student well-being could be seen at the Board Table, where she championed funding for practical, faith-based and student-focused learning while embracing the Board’s Strategic Commitments, “Be Community, Be Well, and Be Innovative.”
Chair Mullan added, “That he and his fellow Trustees would miss Sister Shelley’s infectious laugh, rich story-telling abilities, her love of everything East Coast related and her friendship.” He described Sister Shelley as a friend everyone could depend on for support and kindness.
On behalf of the Board, Chair Mullan offers prayers to Sister Shelley’s family, friends and fellow Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Though many will feel Sister Shelley’s loss, her legacy will live on through her contributions to Catholic education.
Funeral Details
The Funeral Mass will be held at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 100 Main Street, Ottawa, Ontario, on Saturday, June 3rd, at 11:00 am.
More details can be found on the Hulse, Playfair & McGarry website.