SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

With a small suitcase in hand, Sister Betsy Jean Cowell makes her way through the streets of St. Marys in Sydney, Australia, to catch a bus. Her bus travel takes her to St. Marys station, where she then catches a train to Springwood, Blacktown or Richmond. Despite some difficulty, Sister Cowell, from the Claremont Meadows Ward, Penrith Australia Stake, travels long distances to bring joy to groups of elderly citizens in nursing homes — many of whom are around her same age.

For many years, and especially since the death of her husband, Bill, in 1994, Sister Cowell has volunteered as an entertainer at nursing homes around Sydney. In the early days she would travel to locations around Sydney — all on public transport. These days, with her knees giving her pain and discomfort, Sister Cowell restricts herself to bringing cheer each month to closer nursing homes.

Born in 1927, Sister Cowell was taught a love of music by her father who was a musical clown. She was encouraged to develop her talent and this led her to compose several songs for children. As her children married and left home, Sister Cowell became increasingly interested in giving back something to the community she has been a part of all her life.

Sister Cowell spends much time each month selecting and practicing the numbers and jokes — some of which she has heard from others and some she makes up herself — she will perform at the nursing homes. She sets herself at least one to two hours each day to practice the piano so she'll be just right on the day. A typical program of Sister Cowell's entertainment at the nursing home takes approximately an hour-and-a-half. She chooses a theme for each month and then tailors the music to fit the theme. She hand writes the words for every song and then has them photocopied.

Sister Cowell's service continues on Sundays; for years she has served as the organist in addition to organizing outings, lessons, meetings and activities for other older members.

Sister Cowell admits to being lonely without her husband, but chooses to fill her days with contacts with her children, her 28 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren, entertaining them and others and, at times, hopping on public transport to enjoy short trips and conversations with others.

At age 84, Sister Cowell is an inspiration to those who know her, as she doesn't let very much restrict her from being an actively participating member of her community.

— Marianne Walters, Sydney, Australia