Sister Collette Maritim, FSE

“Is there anything she can’t do?!” This has been said more than once about multi-talented Sister Collette Maritim, FSE. Her skills contribute generously to community life: a meticulous seamstress, a creative floral designer, a cook who knows how to mix flavors to create an awesome stew, a rhythmic drummer, a caring nurse, a good-humored, cheerful Sister.

Sister Collette became a perpetually vowed member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in 2014. She completed a Bachelor degree in Nursing at Central Connecticut State University in 2018. During her time at the motherhouse, she took up the challenge of sewing habits for the more than twenty Sisters in the Meriden Community. Her skill in floral arranging enhanced the beauty of the Chapel of St. John on feast days and solemnities. On the day of her perpetual vows, the Community presented Sister Collette with an authentic African drum. A native of Kenya, Sister Collette joyfully sprang into rhythm and song.

Since 2018 Sister Collette has been a vital part of the Lowell, Michigan center. She is a nurse at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, working three 12-hour days each week in the Subacute department. Her nursing skills have helped Sisters at home through illnesses as well as with health emergencies. She continues sharing her passion for creating beauty with the flowers of the land, and helps with the flower gardens as well as with the care of the Sisters’ apple orchard. She enjoys nourishing the Community with both new and traditional culinary dishes. Along with her professional and community activities, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in pastoral counseling at Holy Apostles College and Seminary which will be an enriching complement to her nursing skills. In numerous ways, Sister Collette’s joyful presence contributes to the vitality and wholesome spirit of Franciscan community life.