Mother Joseph, born Esther Pariseau in 1823 in Quebec, Canada, was one of the founders of the Sisters of Providence in the Pacific Northwest. In 1856, Mother Joseph and four other Sisters of Providence from Montreal arrived at Fort Vancouver to begin their mission of caring for the pioneers of the Pacific Northwest.She was credited as the architect, financier, and construction boss in the building of eleven hospitals, seven academies, five Indian schools, and two orphanages. Mother Joseph died in 1902. In 1953 she was recognized and honored by the American Institute of Architecture as the Pacific Northwest's first architect.
St. James Cemetery is a holy place not a park and should be treated with respect. Walk to the tall white cross. Rest for awhile on the granite bench and admire the roses if they are blooming. Mother Joseph's grave is the second one from the end.
The National Statuary Hall Collection in the U.S. Capitol is comprised of statues donated by individual states to honor persons notable in their history. Washington State's two statues are Marcus Whitman and Mother Joseph (Esther Pariseau). The acceptance of the statue of Mother Joseph took place in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on May 1, 1980.
Instructions for logging waymark: A respectful photograph of the headstone which includes either you and/or your GPSr is required.