KENNEWICK -- Sister Robert Joseph Doucette knew from the time she was a little girl that she wanted to be a Catholic nun.
She deeply admired the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who were her grade school and high school teachers in California. As soon as she graduated, she joined the order.
That was about 67 years ago. Doucette, now 85, has served in parishes along the West Coast. But the last 35 years at St. Joseph's Parish in Kennewick have been special, she said.
That's why it's emotional saying goodbye. She was to leave last week for the order's retirement home in Los Angeles.
"I loved every minute of (being here)," she said.
Doucette has filled many roles at St. Joseph -- from teaching fifth grade to visiting the sick at home or in nursing facilities.
"She taught in the school, she worked in the parish office, she took care of the elderly for years. She's done so many things. She's just a fixture," said friend and parish member Bonnie Klippstein.
Doucette said it never felt like work and that she always seemed to be blessed beyond what she gave. She made wonderful friends and felt the joy of serving the Lord, she said.
"My Christian faith is my life," she said. "I've always felt really dedicated to the religious life and to serving God."
After Doucette joined the order as a young woman, she served in California for years before coming to Kennewick. The Tri-Cities now feel like home, she said.
Even though she's headed to the retirement home for now, she hopes eventually to come back to Kennewick, she said.
"Sometimes I can't believe how much love there is in my life because of the goodness of St. Joseph's Parish," she said. "It's wonderful serving a people who love you. I can't tell you how happy I've been here."
-- Sara Schilling: 582-1402; sschilling@tricityherald.com
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