The Art of Healing
For Sr. Aileen Trainor, healing has always been more than tending to the body—it is about touching the spirit. Over her 60 years as a sister of St. Joseph of Peace, Sr. Aileen has brought compassion, humor, and joy to those in her care. Her life is a testament to the power of laughter and love in transforming the lives of others, a legacy that has made her a beloved figure in her community and beyond.
Sr. Aileen’s journey of service is deeply rooted in her devotion to St. Joseph. From her earliest days as a student at St. Joseph School — where she attended from kindergarten through high school — to her training at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Victoria, British Columbia, St. Joseph has remained a steady guide. That foundation carried her forward when she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Newark (now Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace) in 1962, beginning a life of ministry marked by faithful care and enduring trust in God’s grace.
Her first nursing assignment as a novice brought her to St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, Washington. It was there that Sr. Aileen began to shape the distinctive approach to healing that would become her hallmark — one that wove professional excellence together with a deeply human attentiveness to the emotional and spiritual needs of those before her. Over the course of more than five decades of service with PeaceHealth — including becoming Eugene’s first certified urology nurse — she became a trusted and beloved presence across the hospital community.
Her gratitude for the love and support she has received from others continues to shine through in her reflections. She often speaks with deep appreciation for those who have gone before her in the congregation, recognizing their faithful witness as a guiding light for her own ministry.
Even in retirement from hospital ministry, Sr. Aileen’s spirit of care remains very much alive. Now at St. Mary on the Lake, the Western home of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, she continues to embody the Center’s mission of offering peace, prayer, beauty, and hospitality to all who seek renewal of spirit.
Through her life’s work, Sr. Aileen Trainor reminds us that healing is as much an art as it is a science. Her gentle blending of skill, faith, and joy reflects a profound understanding of the human spirit. She shows us, in both simple and extraordinary ways, that compassion offered with sincerity can become a lasting source of hope.
Her story — and the quiet joy she continues to share — remains a blessing to all who encounter her.
Below, you’ll find a growing collection of quotes, thoughts, and stories from Sr. Aileen Trainor, CSJP, as she shares her wisdom on healing through joy and laughter. Each month, we will highlight a reflection that offers a glimpse into the power of laughter, the grace of everyday moments, and the deep spiritual insight behind her lighthearted spirit.
Explore the reflections using the button below — her words are sure to inspire and uplift.