Page 33 - Card Photo Flipbook-December 2022

BNSc Nursing/Bob (Queen’s University – 1960-62)
Helen chose to pursue a degree and was accepted into the School of Nursing at Queen’s 31
University, Kingston in the fall of 1960. The class size was about 20. That year John Diefenbaker
was Prime Minister of Canada and Tommy Douglas was Premier of Saskatchewan.
For her first academic year she roomed in Macdonnell House, Barrie Street a Queen’s
University women’s residence. This house was torn down shortly after Helen’s stay there – a
science building is now on the site. According to Queen’s University archives, rules for women’s
residences were very strict in 1960. Slacks could only be worn at breakfast times and
gentlemen’s visits were very limited.
On the evening of Sunday, September 18, 1960 Bob Card, a medical student arrived at
Macdonnell House tagging along with his classmate and good friend Garry Willard. Garry came
to see his sister Nanci, who was starting first year at Queens' and living at the House. Garry
thought it would be fun for Bob to come with him. Bob had met Nanci in early 1958 while visiting
the Willard’s in Winchester. Fate intervened as Helen was in the House's parlor. By chance Bob
sat beside Helen and they stayed together for the next 59½ years! Their first big date was to the
Meds Formal that fall and according to Helen’s records they became “pinned” on January 10th,
1961.
During the summer of 1961 Helen returned to the farm in Beamsville while Bob remained in
Kingston doing research, rooming at Medical House, 49 King Street East. There are many, many
letters (saved by Helen) between Helen and Bob over that summer.