One of the first blacks in Canada to graduate as a nurse in 1950, an O.S.C.V.I. Graduate 1947 – Honour Student, Marisse was  refused entrance into the Owen Sound General & Marine Nursing School.

“The board’s action was based on the psychological effect on patients to have a black nurse suddenly appear at their bedside. I was told in all seriousness that such a situation might even kill the patient” “It was in the student’s best interest … because it was feared she wouldn’t be able to find a job when she graduated.” Rev. Allan Ferry, Knox United Church, Owen Sound - Sept. 22, 1947 Owen Sound Sun Times

An unofficial public survey indicated the majority of Owen Sound citizens sided with the student.
“Advised there would likely be opposition to her entry to the training school in Owen Sound, Marisse decided to apply elsewhere at hospitals throughout Ontario rather than create unpleasantness in her own city. However, every application was refused. Then, as a last resort, she applied to the Owen Sound Hospital.

The story became a national item reported in several news magazines including the Toronto Star and the Globe & Mail
Marisse was granted enrollment by Reverend J. O’Reilly pastor at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Guelph.

She was recognized as “one of the most popular nurses at the St. Joseph’s Hospital.” “She endeared herself to all … by her courtesy, adaptability and devotion to duty. She is beloved by fellow nurses and member of the hospital staff, and is easily one of the most popular nurses among patients in the institutions.

Her popularity with fellow trainees is shown in the fact that she is chairman of the nurses’ social committee at the hospital.” Telegram, February 28, 1950

Marisse was one of the most willing and able student nurses in the history of St. Joseph’s and graduated as a RN in 1950. “She is the woman who, despite the prejudices of the day, paved the way for other young black women to become nurses.” – Paula Nial - Roberta Avery, Toronto Star, August 6, 2001.

Marisse moved to St. Lucia with her husband, Graham Louisy, and took up a post with the Ministry of Health as a Nutrition Specialist.

With thanks to Dennis Scott for generously allowing us to share Marisse's story, and those writers who kept her story alive in their writing.