Serving in healthcare is family affair at South Cumberland Community Care Centre

When Anne Trottier was a high school student she volunteered as a candy striper. It was an experience that changed the trajectory of her life. A career in nursing hadn’t been on her radar until she met an impressive registered nurse at the South Cumberland Community Care Centre in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia.

"Our supervisor was a beautiful nurse whose empathy, selflessness, and compassion shone through effortlessly," says Anne. "She was well respected and instilled in us the importance of being patient-focused and always doing our best."

Observing that nurse care for others with such grace, confidence, and kindness changed everything for Anne.

"I wanted to be her. Seeing how fulfilled she was by caring for others inspired me."

That inspiration shaped a 32-year career dedicated to serving rural communities and improving healthcare close to home. Anne recently received her 30-year Service Award.

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As a Health Services manager and site lead at South Cumberland, Anne feels fortunate to be able to represent rural healthcare at provincial tables while helping build programs and services that meet the unique needs of her community.

"I have a definite soft spot for seniors," she says. "Being able to advocate for long-term care and create programs that improve access for our community is incredibly rewarding."

Anne has countless memories from her career, but one experience caring for a frightened young trauma patient in the Emergency Department stands out. Weeks later, they met unexpectedly in the community.

"He stopped me and said, ‘I don’t remember much from that night, but I do remember you holding my hand."

That simple comment reminded Anne that while clinical care is essential, it’s compassion that often leaves the greatest impression.
It’s a lesson she’s passed on to her daughter, Emma Lohnes, who followed in her mother's footsteps and also became a nurse. She recently received her five-year Service Award.

"When I was young, I wanted to be my mom and have her job," says Emma. "Watching her work so hard to care for others as a nurse inspired me to be a nurse too."

Like her mother, Emma found inspiration in her community. Volunteering initially, she observed nursing firsthand and built meaningful connections with residents.

"Those opportunities cemented my choice to pursue nursing."

Today, Emma works primarily in urgent treatment, where she enjoys the fast pace and challenges of the role. And like her mother, she finds the greatest meaning in the small moments of connection. She says the big reward is often a smile, the thank you, holding a resident’s hand, or helping a family find comfort during a difficult time.

"Nursing is such a privilege, getting to come alongside someone or their family to create comfort and a safe place is one of the most rewarding parts of the work."

For Anne, one of the greatest highlights of her career has been watching Emma become a nurse and having the privilege of working alongside her.

"Working with my daughter and watching her become a beautiful nurse has been one of the greatest highlights of my career."
Emma also feels privileged to work with her mother.

"Getting to work in the community I grew up in is wonderful, but getting to work with and learn from my mom is so special. I’ll carry the lessons I learned from her about nursing for my whole career."

The Trottier family's connection to South Cumberland runs even deeper. Anne's husband and Emma's father, Derek Trottier, also dedicated 20 years of service before retiring this past May, making their family's connection to the community and its healthcare system truly a family affair.

From the nurse who inspired Anne as a teenager, to the mother who inspired her daughter, their shared commitment to compassion, advocacy, and service continues to make a lasting impact on the community they call home.

Photo of (L-R): (1) Anne Trottier, Emma Lohnes and Derek Trottier (2) Emma Lohnes and Anne Trottier.