Salvatorian Sister Betty Vetter: A Boundless Blessing

Salvatorian Sisters are well known for their willingness to serve the poor and marginalized by whatever means God inspires. Each sister brings her special gifts to ministries in education, pastoral care, peace and justice initiatives, and healthcare.

Reflecting on the needs our sisters help fill, one sister comes to mind due to the boundless curiosity, tenacity, and fearlessness she calls upon to serve the health concerns of our aging sisters.

When a sister is sick or faced with serious health troubles, Salvatorian Sisters rest easier knowing their care is in the hands of a capable and tireless nurse, Sister Elizabeth Vetter, SDS. Bolstered by her 55 years as a registered nurse, Sr. Betty accompanies her sisters on their health journeys as the wellness coordinator for the U.S. Province. Her compassion and years of experience make her an immensely qualified and spirited advocate for the sisters.

At the age of 14, Sr. Betty knew she was going to be a Sister of the Divine Savior (aka Salvatorian). “When I was in grade school, I wanted to be a sister. I had no idea what it meant to be a sister, but I wanted to be one of them. I read through so many pamphlets, trying to find a congregation that fit me. But it wasn’t until I was taught by Salvatorian Sisters in middle school that I knew what kind of sister I wanted to be. They were my kind of people.”

Too young to join the novitiate, she enrolled in Divine Savior Convent High School, a prep school providing aspiring girls with four years of high school and a taste of religious life.

I had no idea what it meant to be a sister, but I wanted to be one of them… it wasn’t until I was taught by Salvatorian Sisters in middle school that I knew what kind of sister I wanted to be. They were my kind of people.

When Sr. Betty made her first vows in 1964, she submitted two ministry suggestions to her congregation leaders – teaching chemistry or practicing nursing. For the benefit of all Salvatorian Sisters, they wisely guided Sr. Betty toward nursing.

Since earning her nursing degree from Marquette University in 1968, Sr. Betty has not taken a break from caring for others. Her courageous heart and desire to care for God’s people fueled her time as a bedside nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin.

While there, she was also earning her master’s degree in Washington, D.C. In her twelfth year in Wausau, St. Mary’s Nursing Home in Milwaukee offered her the position of director of nursing. Initially, she said no, but eventually she changed her mind and embraced her new challenge.

Ultimately, her new role prepared her for her future position as director of nursing at a college on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. She recalls, “My time serving in South Dakota means a lot to me. It’s where I discovered my love for photography – a creative ministry that’s taught me the value of looking at the world through different lenses. It’s pushed me to discover new and creative ways to live our mission of promoting justice and improving the quality of life for vulnerable people

Any challenge Sr. Betty faces is met with God’s simple and comforting phrase, “Be not afraid.” Her energetic embrace of life’s unknowns is what led her from healthcare in the United States to missionary work in the Philippines and India. She describes her experience abroad as eye-opening to the diversity of cultures throughout our world.

Upon her return from international missions, Sr. Betty embarked on a difficult yet vital ministry – hospice care nursing. For 35 years, she provided comfort and support to patients and their families who knew their loved ones were near death.

Now, this experience helps Sr. Betty fill an essential role – accompanying her fellow sisters on their healthcare journeys. “It is a journey. We endeavor together through whatever obstacles we meet, and they are assured I’m there for them as their spiritual, emotional, and physical support system in all areas of their lives,” she remarks.

Sr. Betty is a driving force for the Salvatorian Congregation. With extreme sensitivity, she navigates the sisters’ complex medical situations while holding firm in her fierce advocacy for high-quality healthcare. She coordinates doctors’ appointments, researches new medical techniques, educates the Salvatorian healthcare staff, and makes herself available to the sisters 24/7 in the case of a medical emergency. Simply put, the sisters are happier and healthier because of Nurse Betty.

The Salvatorian Sisters depend on advocates like Sr. Betty to tend to their healthcare needs. As they age, their support ensures the sisters are well taken care of and able to care for one another.

— by Kaitlin Seebruch