[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 121 (Friday, August 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING SISTER MARY NORBERTA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 5, 2011

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sister Mary Norberta, 
who will retire this year after 29 years of leadership at St. Joseph 
Healthcare in Bangor. Since 1982, Sister Norberta has guided St. Joseph 
Hospital and St. Joseph Healthcare as a dynamic President and Chief 
Executive Officer.
  As President and C.E.O. of St. Joseph Hospital, Sister Norberta has 
been instrumental in transforming a once small community hospital into 
the largest facility in the state of Maine. Not only has she introduced 
modern ideas to the hospital such as digital mammography, laparoscopic 
surgery, lithotripter service and the allowance of fathers in the 
delivery room, but she has also expanded primary care services in rural 
areas, helped to organize small community hospitals in Maine and 
completed thousands of hours of community service.
  Sister Norberta is the recent recipient of the Woman of the Year 
Award for the state of Maine, bestowed upon her by the Business and 
Professional Women's organization. The Woman of the Year Award is given 
to a woman who exemplifies a character of drive, innovation and 
compassion in the workforce. Sister Norberta more than meets these 
standards.
  Earlier this year, she was also recognized with the lifetime 
achievement award from the Honor Society of Nursing due to her longtime 
work in nursing leadership and education at the local, state, and 
federal levels. In tribute to Sister Norberta's upcoming retirement, 
the chapter has established an annual scholarship in her name.
  After a career devoted to strengthening health care institutions, 
providing the highest level quality of care for patients and supporting 
the most vulnerable in the state of Maine, Sister Norberta is, without 
doubt, deserving of her recent awards and honors. Upon her retirement 
from St. Joseph's, she will truly be missed for her leadership skills 
and kindness.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in thanking Sister Mary Norberta 
for her tremendous contributions and service to her community and to 
the people of Maine.