Sheryl-Elaine’s Lotta story has been told in many settings. Her hope is that “it continues to inspire bold, passionate women everywhere.”

In the early 1970s, Sheryl-Elaine Brazeau held one of the most unique positions in all of Canadian society: she was Lotta Hitschmanova’s personal secretary at the office of USC Canada at one of Canada’s most celebrated addresses, 56 Sparks Street in Ottawa.

Four decades later, Sheryl-Elaine had developed her skills to become one of Ottawa’s gifted storytellers. One day, she decided to apply those skills in a unique way – to honour Dr Lotta by crafting an extended story with the title, “The Early Life of Lotta Hitschmanova.”

Sheryl-Elaine recounted the remarkable story of Lotta’s formative years in Europe (before emigrating to Canada in 1942), at the very same 56 Sparks St where she had worked four decades ago! USC Canada has made a video recording and posted this online. It is a great audio visual resource for anyone wishing to go more deeply into the early years of Dr Lotta before she founded the USC in 1945.

Sheryl-Elaine knew Dr Lotta as “a woman of wisdom and courage”, and feels grateful to have had the opportunity to honour her in this way.

She also acknowledges the work of Clyde Sanger, Lotta’s biographer, whose book provided an inspirational beginning for her to gather information.

Her Lotta story has been told in many settings. Sheryl-Elaine’s hope is that “it continues to inspire bold, passionate women everywhere.”

David Rain