Colette Truesdale

Colette Truesdale was born in Alexandria, Egypt.  She was raised in Nice, France where she met her husband, Howard Truesdale while he was serving in the US Army during WWII.  She married and came to Camden, SC with him.  They had and raised 3 boys and 5 girls on the family farm outside of Camden. 

In 1970, she heard about Camp (called Divine Saviour Religion Camp at that time). She sent her 2 youngest children as campers and 2 others as counselors.  She became the camp nurse and continued the tradition until she passed away in January 1995. 

Colette was known to use natural remedies for home sickness and stomach aches.  Her "special medicine" was a candy that she got in France and used as a placebo for everything.  Even though she was a registered nurse in France, she believed in using natural medicines.  It worked well, because she had many campers that would come to her for the "special medicine" when they were not feeling well.  Worked every time!  She even had a letter from one camper with stomach problems who wrote to her that this medicine was the best thing for her stomach. 

Dominique May, her 5th child, has continued working with the camp because of Colette's involvement. Dominique has become an instrumental part in allowing camp to run.  She started with her in 1970 as a counselor and served as the original president of Children of Mary Religion Camp when the board of directors was founded. Dominique continues to serve as a member of our board of directors today. 

We know that Colette is in heaven and continues to pray for the success of this camp.  Most of Colette's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have been campers and counselors. What a blessing to have such a good example of a Christian woman.