Sherray is number 13 of 20 children, raised by devout Ukrainian Catholic parents on a farm in Manitoba. By age 15, Sherray was involved with the Catholic Women’s League balancing thebooks for her mother as her mom held the position as treasurer.

Sherray trained as a registered nurse specializing in Emergency, Intensive Care and Cardiology and worked in different hospitals in the Fraser Health Authority. Her vocation led her to offer her expertise at many reservations in B.C., on Holland America Cruise Lines and medicalbrigades in Honduras.

Her husband, Rafael is from Mazatlán, Mexico. Sherray refers to him as her greatest blessing. She had the opportunity to live 15 years in Mexico, learning Spanish and experiencing the great humbleness of the Mexican people.

The family moved to the Lower Mainland in 1987. They have three sons, and seven grand children.

Joining St. Ann’s Abbotsford CWL in 2004 was the beginning of a new and exciting journey. Since 2006, she has held an executive position for legislation, organization, president and covered the many empty chairs until other members stepped up to take on the convenorship atthe parish level. At diocesan, she held legislation, spiritual development, president – elect and now president.

During her term as diocesan legislation chairperson, she participated on the provincial legislation sub-committee under Blanca Stead and co-presented a legislation workshop with Gisela Montague. With spiritual development, Sherray offered eight interesting and interactive spiritual exercises at the diocesan general meetings. As organization focuses on leadership, she developed a workshop, “Great Women of the Bible,” which has been presented to 450+ members.

In 2013, Sherray chaired the Vancouver Diocesan Convention in Abbotsford. She was hospitality convenor at the 2015 National Convention in Vancouver.During 2020 – 2022, three Vancouver annual convention books and the 90th Anniversary Book for St. Ann’s CWL were great opportunities for her to write, compile and publish the history of The Catholic Women’s League at the diocesan and parish levels.

Sherray has a love for the League and looks forward in continuing her service for others.

Bertha Landrie was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Some of her earliest memories were living on her Grandparents farm and playing with her cousins who all lived close. She went to school in Edam Saskatchewan and completed her schooling at the Convent of the Child Jesus Highschool in North Battleford. She met and married her husband of 50 years Joe, in North Battleford. They had three sons and in 1985 moved to Victoria BC. They have eight grandchildren. Bertha knew about CWL and would donate bake goods to the CWL bake sales in her parish.

After the family was settled in Victoria, Elaine L. asked Bertha to join the Queen of Peace CWL. When asked why she had not joined before she would say “Nobody ever asked me.” Bertha held many positions at the Parish level before stepping up to the Victoria Diocesan Executive when asked by Sheila Q. On the Diocesan level, Bertha has done Health and Education, Christian Family Life, Community Life, President Elect/Organization and now Victoria Diocesan President.

Bertha has volunteered in Community in Victoria for the last 37 years, in her parish with CWL, Religious Education Coordinator, Choir and Lay minister. She and Joe were on the Board of Directors with Metis Nation of Greater Victoria for several years. They volunteered with Victoria School Districts 61 and currently, Sooke School District 62 as Metis Role Models and Presenters. Bertha was also on the Aboriginal Education Council for School District 62. They are Part of the Indigenous Elder’s Voices at Camosun College. They are two of the founders of Michif Language Revitalization Circle Society (MLRC), which has developed a free Michif Language website to promote the Metis Language “Michif.” The website is: Speakmichif.ca.​

The Catholic Women’s League has been a true blessing in her life. The stories of kids asking if they can have the cookie or is it for CWL relate to her own family for sure, but they will tell you they never felt resentful of her involvement, but were proud of her and happy for all the wonderful things she was privileged to do as a member, such as flying in a small plane to Ft Chipewyan in the NWT, or flying with Bishop Tom Lobsinger to Smithers. Carol is married 52 years and has 3 beloved grandchildren. She is retired and enjoys gardening, a little travel, getting together with family and friends. For 16 years she has owned and operated a small but loaded rubberstamping and papercraft shop in her basement where she gives cardmaking classes. Through ‘Stampy Stampertons’ she has made many friends.

Although she’s a homebody, CWL conventions and meetings are worth leaving home for. The liturgies, the speakers, the resolutions, the hugs from old friends, and the resolutions dialogues are all so inspiring.

The women of the League hold her deep respect, admiration and love. The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is changing so rapidly now, and the commitment to a position may seem formidable but she encourages members to consider the numerous opportunities for growth in so many areas. Her ‘team’ has recently hosted the Provincial convention, a huge challenge that turned out so well, with many blessings for the parish, and Diocese.

Carol has had many wonderful mentors and tries to do the same for others. She is a ‘career’ Diocesan President, having that job for much too long. She would love to give one of her Whitehorse sisters the experience of attending mid-term meetings. When the day’s work is done and it’s time to relax and laugh with her sister friends, special bonds are formed that carry you through, and leave unforgettable memories.It is good to know that the women on the Provincial Council are all ‘lifers’ who share the same faith and will hold you up no matter what happens.