Sister Collette Palmer, SSJ, recalls hearing the call to religious life in the 4th grade. She was so impressed with the love, joy and dedication to God of a young postulant, Sr. Michelle Pillar, that she knew she too was being called. A native of Sharon, PA, Sister Collette entered from Sacred Heart parish in Erie.  She graduated from Villa Maria Academy and Villa Maria College in Erie before studying at Boston State Hospital. Her ministries as a teacher and registered nurse include teaching at St. Peter, Our Lady of Peace and St. Ann schools in Erie, as well as at St. Bernard in Bradford.  She ministered at Saint Vincent Health Center, St. Mary’s Home of Erie and Villa Maria College. She served as Mary crest Director for the Sisters of St. Joseph and she recently retired from ministry in pastoral care and as chaplain at Saint Vincent Hospital.