Sister Rosalie Locati accepted a call 22 years ago to encourage caregivers – regularly wandering the hallways and nooks of Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. Locati, 79, started her religious life as an educator and at first declined repeated taps to be the hospital’s director of mission and values. When she embraced the role, she sought to remind hospital employees of Sacred Heart’s call to healing. And she frequently urged prayer.

This week she’s retiring after 60 years of service. Her time included teaching and years mentoring Washington State University students. At Sacred Heart, she gained respect for compassion and humor. And Thursday, Locati reluctantly agreed to some fuss over her. Staff organized a parade send-off, with her in a convertible.