Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
It’s been 30 years since Noreen Marshall began looking after children in Fort St. James.
“It all started when my sister n law asked me to look after my two nephews when she went back to work. And that was it. I decided to do this full-time,” Marshall said.
But for Marshall, it’s not just a job.
“I do this because I love kids. It’s important for me to see that they get the best care, to get the best out of life and to be able to offer them a good start. That’s so important to me.”
With a gentle and patient nature, Marshall attends to her children daily. Puzzles, pictures, games and toys fill her room as she remembers all of the kids she has cared for over the years.
“There have been so many. It’s amazing to see them years later. I just recently saw one of them graduate,” Marshall said.
And Marshall’s many years of dedication to the children of Fort St. James has not gone unrecognized.
Recently, she was nominated and awarded for her contributions in providing exceptional care to children in British Columbia.
Minister John Rustad, presented the 2016 Child Care Award to Marshall in Vanderhoof, B.C.
It recognizes Marshall’s dedication in the Excellence in the leadership category as she serves as an inspiration for having made a lasting impact on the families and community in Fort St. James.
Marshall has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. The couple raised three children of their own in Fort St. James.
“My family is happy for me, Marshall said. “I love what I do and I love being with these kids.”