Serving her Sisters so they can better serve others.
Sister Elma Heesacker has spent her life quietly and faithfully serving her Sisters and her community. Born in Forest Grove, Oregon, she was the third of 10 children raised by Ernest and Agnes Heesacker. Life on their farm north of town was filled with hard work, tending fields and helping grow cannery crops to support the family. She fondly remembers swimming with her siblings in the natural pool where two creeks met at the back of their property. Those early years, rooted in simplicity and hard work, helped shape the values of faith and community that would guide her life.
Sister Elma’s path toward religious life began when she was very young. In the third grade, she met a Sister Cecilia who came to her public school to teach catechism classes. She only visited once, but left a lasting impression. Young Elma affectionately called her “Sister Cinderella.” That summer, another teacher — a young priest — shared stories about the life of Christ, deepening her growing faith. These experiences planted a seed in her heart.
Her formal education was not always easy. She started in a one-room schoolhouse where one teacher had to manage 40 students. It was difficult to keep up, and she struggled at times. Recognizing their children needed more structure, her parents enrolled them at St. Francis of Assisi Grade School in Roy, Oregon. There, Elma met the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, including Sister Maryam and Sister Thomas. Their love for God inspired Elma, who, even at that young age, knew she wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Her mother was unsure at first. Elma was not an exceptional student, and her mom worried she might not be accepted into religious life. But Elma was determined. By the time she was a student at St. Mary of the Valley High School, she was sure of her calling. At just 16, she bravely asked to meet with Mother Colette, the Superior General of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. When asked what she could offer the community, she replied confidently: “I can cook.” It was enough. Mother Colette welcomed her in.
Her parents were initially surprised by how quickly she had made her decision. But they supported her. Sr. Elma remembers the pride with which her quiet father announced that Elma was joining the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon at the family dinner table.
As a “working sister,” Sister Elma embraced the role of serving her Community behind the scenes. She cooked, drove, and served as sacristan, ensuring her Sisters had the support they needed to focus on their educational mission in Catholic schools. She was grateful for the opportunity to live out her calling. “I wanted to serve God by being myself and by loving and serving others,” she said.
Life at the convent was active. At the time, nearly 100 Sisters lived there, along with 150 students who boarded at the school. The days were long and well-structured — starting early each morning with prayers and Mass, followed by a full day of work in the kitchen, garden, or wherever she was needed. Evenings were spent in prayer and quiet recreation. It was hard work, but Sister Elma loved it. There was joy in the rhythm of their lives and in the companionship of her Sisters.
The kitchen became Sister Elma’s domain. She worked tirelessly, preparing meals from scratch for the Sisters and the students. The convent was nearly self-sufficient back then, so they did everything themselves — raising and butchering their own meat, making sausages, pickling vegetables, and canning fruits and jams.
Over time, her talents in the kitchen became well known. She spent seven of her 24 years on mission organizing and managing kitchens. When the head cook fell ill, Sister Elma was asked to take over. She even managed to bring a sense of fun to the Community. During her years in Tillamook, she was known for organizing impromptu trips to the beach. She would pack up a meal and take the Sisters for a seaside picnic, earning her the affectionate nickname “the party person.”
But Sister Elma did not just rely on experience. She wanted to do things properly, so she sought formal training. She attended Portland Community College for two years, taking courses in food service management, ordering supplies, and running an institutional kitchen. She also took evening classes on a variety of subjects, completing about 15 courses in total. These included cake decorating, speed reading, calligraphy, and painting.
Calligraphy became a particular passion. She practiced it for four years, mastering the art of italics and sharing her work by posting it on the community bulletin board. Whether it was hand-lettered prayers or decorated cakes, her creative touches brought joy to everyone around her.
Sister Elma also had a soft spot for animals — especially dogs. Through the years, she has cared for several of them, including two Great Pyrenees named Wimpy and Toby. “Wimpy was gentle and laid-back, while Toby had a mischievous streak,” she recalled. “They were faithful companions, offering lots of comfort and laughter.”
Today, as she marks 70 years of religious life, Sister Elma reflects on her journey with gratitude. “God has taken care of me so much,” she says. Her life of faith, service, and quiet dedication has touched countless lives. She has found joy not just in the grand moments but in the small, everyday acts of love and service — whether preparing a meal, sharing a hand-lettered prayer, driving a Sister to an appointment or simply offering a warm smile.
Her story is a testament to the power of devotion, humility, and grace — a life spent loving God and serving others in the simplest, most profound ways.
