Newsletter for The Little Company of Mary Nursing School Alumni July 2007, Vol. 14, Issue 1

NE andone?Walsh,

When we were young and unseasoned in life, didn'twe think, whether 50 years of marriage or 50 years ofanything, that those reaching that milestone were elderlyand how wonderful that we could celebrate with them.However, when you arrive at such a milestone, yourealize age is relative and it is all about perspective.Another important consideration is how we spend theyears we are given.

This past October we celebrated the 50th GoldenJubilee of my two friends & classmates - SisterKathleen McIntyre, RN, '62 & Sister Sharon AnnWalsh, RN '62.

It feels right that I should write and celebrate thembecause of my privileged witness of what they havegiven over these 50 years and the differences they havemade. How could they ever have predicted thehappenings andjoumey events reaching from 1956 to2006? Truly we are better off without a looking glass forour life's road and all we need is the grace to say YES!A powerful quote that means so much to me is authoredby Ralph Waldo Emerson, "What lies behind us andwhat lies before us are tiny matters compared to whatlies within us. 1/ I think we need a certain number of years

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LCM Alumni Reunion Luncheon 2007Call Your Classmates ... Reserve A Table!

The Little Company of Mary School of Nursing AlumniLuncheon will be held at the Hilton Oak Lawn on

Saturday, October 6. All alumni are invited to attendand take this opportunity to renew friendships with eachother. We especially look forward to seeing ourAnniversary Classes:

Gratitude is extended to the Anniversary Classes,especially 1972 & 1957, and the Alumni Board forhosting this reunion and working together to assure aspecial time for all. Everyone is invited to attend theMass of Remembrance which takes place in the Hilton'sWindsor room prior to the luncheon. It is a prayerfulexperience and special way to begin our day ofcelebration.

1937 (70 yrs),1952 (55 yrs),1967 (40 yrs),

1942 (65 yrs),1957 (50 yrs),1972 (35 yrs),1982 (25 yrs)

1947 (60 yrs),1962 (45 yrs),1977 (30 yrs),

Celebrant of the Mass:Fr. Jim Heneghan, Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary,Chicago, Illinois, raised in a large Irish Southside family& well known national speaker on loss and grief.

Musicians:Andy Perz, PianoAnna Belle O'Shea, FlutePeg Schneider, Cantor

Schedule:Mass of Remembrance 11:00 a.m.

(Hilton Oak Lawn - 9333 S. Cicero Ave.)Reception 12:00 p.m.Luncheon and Program 1:00 p.m.

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and lived experience to understandthe depth of this quotation.Both Sister Kathleen and SisterSharon Ann entered the Sisters of the

Little Company of Mary in 1956.Sister Kathleen was born at LCMand was raised on the Southside. The

daughter of Nell and John McIntyre,she is the middle child of threechildren. She attended St. Leo

Grammar School, Mercy HighSchool and then was accepted intoLittle Company of Mary School ofNursing. Her freshman year intraining was put on hold when shedecided midway to enter the LittleCompany of Mary Sisters. Already inthe community of LCM Sisters wereher three relatives, her aunt SisterFelix Barrett, her two cousins SisterCatherine Barrett,'33, Nora (SisterKevin) O'Malley, '54.

Sister Sharon Annwas born in-fmurbonnais;H-to·Marguerite andClifford Walsh andthe oldest of fourchildren. Her dadwas the Chief Postal

Officer in their home town until hisretirement. Sister Sharon Annattended Notre Dame Grammar

School and St. Joseph SeminaryHigh School. She, too, had religiousin her family and her uncle FatherLawrence was an SVD priest. Shebegan LCM nurses training in fall1959.

Both Sister Kathleen and Sister

Sharon Ann have poignantmemories of nurses training. Whocan forget the assignments forclinical rotations, team leading,evening and night shifts, Mercyville,NLN'S, State Boards to name just afew of the the challenges? Theenjoyment of recall with classmatesis always delightfully renewed,

especially at Anniversary Reunions.Over the years I have teased themabout their academic class standing ­which of them, I would ask, was 1st,2nd or 3rd in the class? As I posedthe question, I already knew theanswer. Yet, however amazing theirgifted intelligence, more importanthas been their generosity ofdedicated service in leadershipduring these past 50 years. Aftercompleting advanced education atthe University of San Francisco(Sister Kathleen) and the Universityof Iowa (Sister Sharon Ann) - theyfound themselves serving many yearstogether in Torrance, California, innursing, as well as directing thespiritual formation of the newcandidates to the community.

Sr. Kathleen returnedto Midwest in the

early 80's and wasappointed to thefaculty of Vince!l.nesUniversity School ofNursing. It was afitting preparation for

her assignment to return to EvergreenPark in 1982 to assist Sister MichaelMurray, LCM, '38 in directing ourSchool of Nursing until its closure.Five years later she accepted theweighty responsibility as Presidentand CEO of our Evergreen ParkHospital when the Board of Directorsgave her a total vote of confidence.They were convinced of her inspiringability to lead.

Currently, she is the Chairperson ofthe Board of Directors, as well as theProvincial Leader of the American

Province of Little Company of MarySisters.

The path of both of their lives duringthese 50 years has evolved to the'MORE' and when Sister SharonAnn returned to the Midwest in the

later 80's, she assumed the leadershipof Provincial Leader of the AmericanProvince. It was in 1993 when she

attended the congregation's GeneralChapter, that she was electedAssistant Congregational Leader andmoved to the congregation'sheadquarters in London, England.For the next six years, herresponsibility involved global travelto visit, support, guide LittleCompany of Sisters missionedthroughout the world. She returned toEvergreen Park in 2000 and waswelcomed in her new role as a

hospital chaplain. Currently she is aProvincial Counsilor working closelywith her classmate, friend andcommunity member, Sr. Kathleen.

Sister Sharon Ann Walsh, LCM,and Sister Kathleen McIntyre,

LCM, are congratulated by friendReverend Monsignor Kenneth Velo

who presided over theirEucharistic Celebration.

"What matters most iswhat lies within us."

Emerson

The direction and fullness of both of

their lives of service has givencredence, I believe to Emerson'swords - "What matters is what lieswithin us." That is what they havetrusted and called upon throughoutthese years. With God's grace andtheir YES to the gifts they weregiven, these 50 years have been a giftto everyone.

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Have you ever tried to live your lifebackwards? Work many hours, toget more money, to have more'things,' so you could do more ofwhat you think will make youhappier? Hmmm! I don't think thatworks. The way it actually works isin the reverse. You first need to

discover who you really are withinyour soul and figure out what isimportant to you. Then, you can dowhat you need to do, to have whatyou want to find happiness.

I was one of those people in alimited sort of way. I worked a lotso we could get the newer furniture,take better vacations, and buywhatever we wanted. I wasambitious, creative, and alwayslooking for recognition andbelonging. I didn't need possessionsor power. I needed to know me anddiscover what was important to me.I have a wonderful husband, twobeautiful daughters and four (almostsix) magnificent grandchildren and agreat career. But there was a space inmy life that stopped me from feelingtruly happy.

I came upon a little Hallmark bookcalled 50 Things That Really Matter.I made a list: motherhood; loving awonderful man; summer nights;hugs; courage; a cause to follow;even an 'on time' repairman filledmy list as I read this book. I began toexperience a flood of memories thathelped to fill my void. I began tounderstand who I really was when Imet my "boyfriend." That was 37years ago. We have met many timessince. Let me tell you how my lifehas changed since meeting JohnKevin Garvey (J.K.) and hisfamily.

The year was 1970. I had returnedfrom my maternity leave afterMaria's birth to work in our LCMNICU. I was assigned to care for abeautiful little boy. His birth historyindicated some delivery problems.His cord was knotted and wrappedaround his neck. At that time inmedical history, ultra sounds or fetalmonitors were not available or used.If JK had been born six months later,the use of these devices may havechanged the path of both him and hisfamily traveled. In the weekfollowing his delivery, he hadseizures, fluid on the brain andkidney failure. His parents werestrong, but he was stronger. Withmedical interventions and

medication, he was able to go homewhen he was three weeks old.Challenges for his care were alwaysgoing to be in his future, but hisparents felt ready to take their littleboy home. The diagnosis for JKwas Cerebral Palsy with spasticquadriplegia and athetosis(random distortion of musclemass).

Ann and Kevin wanted to care for

him at home. Suggestions toinstitutionalize him came from

family, doctors and an occasionalnurse. His parents rejected thisoption. Their goal was to remainoptimistic and hopeful. With threepre-schoolers, ages 3, 2 and 1, theydidn't have time or energy to wallowin self-pity. Because of theirpassionate commitment to care fortheir son at home they were able toraise three healthy, successfulchildren who consider JK as a veryspecial brother. The family adjustedto the routine of life with a disabled

brother. Their plan included hardwork, sweat, toil, adjustments,

family/friend support and faith. Iconsider myself a part of this family.Along with several of my LCMnurse associates, we were able tohelp out their home on manyoccasions. Because JK's three

siblings were born at LCM, hisparents returned for follow up at ourhospital many times. They alwayssaid they loved the doctors andespecially the nurses here. I did notget to see my 'boyfriend' again forseveral years. He had changed! This4-year-old boy was still beautiful, butthere were problems. He could notsit up independently. He could notspeak. His athetoid body wasbecoming more contracted whichcompromised his breathing. Seizurescontinued - He was mentally alertbut disabled beyond the six-month

level.Ann and Kevinwere the parentswe would wantfor all of our

pediatricpatients. Theyworked hard toget the best carefor their son.They researchedcare options,

sought out the best doctors andreturned to LCM with a plan everytime JK needed to be admitted.When his increasing contracturehampered his breathing, resulting inmany episodes of pneumonia, theyfound surgeons who improved thequality of his life by straightening hisspine to open up his chest space andmake his work of breathing easier.When swallowing and chokingbecame a problem, they requested afeeding tube so he would benourished. During his manyhospitalizations, his brothers and

continued on page 43

I spoke to Ann about the choices

We have allgrown uptogether. Wewouldn'tdream ofswitchinghospitals.

Kevin, Ann, and J.K. We knowand appreciate a good thing. "

extensive orthopedic interventionswhich were handled at other largerhospitals. We always found ourselvescomparing the nursing care at otherinstitutions with that at LCM We

found out that LCM always comesout on top! Over the years we havegotten to know the nurses and staff atthis hospital and always feel like weare as special to them as they are tous. It is important, when you have aspecial needs child, to have peoplewho can be there for you through allthat this complicated life brings.Many nurses were new LCM gradswhen JK arrived and they are stillthere.

My life is so abundant with thesimple pleasures of family andfriends and the spiritual values have,easily within my reach. I love myjob. Every day in my department atLittle Company of Mary enrichesme. There is so much to discover, aproblem to resolve, a task tocomplete, a boyfriend to love.

Continued from page 3

sister were encouraged to visit. Whenthey were there with him, I could seehis face light up in recognition. Ithas been exciting to see the lovethis family has given to JohnKevin. This is important to me. Itshowed me how precious even afragile life is. Parent love cansurpass all obstacles.

they made throughout the years forhis care. She told me that her sonwas no different than her otherchildren. He is a soul in need of care

and nurturing, just like the others.The interventions they chose werenot life saving but made his lifeeasier, better. Their lives are difficultbecause of these choices. Kevin, anattorney, was turned down for aposition because the firm felt that he

There was a time in those early days would not be as available with a

when Iquestioned their handicapped child at home."interference" in JK's care. I Iam in awe of this family. Godwondered why they.chose to put him gifted them with a son whose body isthrough so many pamful procedures. flawed but whose spirit is pure. They

He had many pro?lems ~nd" wasn't envelope him in love and he retu~sable to see a qualIty to hIS lIfe. One his love in so many ways. God gIftedday, Iobserved them from a ~istance. John Kevin with parents and siblingsIwatched Kevin slowly lift hIS son who saw beyond the flaws and foundto his lap. He rocked him and talked a human being. God gifted the nursesto him for almost an hour. Iwatched in Pediatrics with the opportunity toAnn fuss over him, straightening his work with and love a young manclothes, wiping his mouth, getting who has taught us so much. He ishim to smile. (The.y contir~.ueto do really a boyfriend to all of us.this every time he IS a patIen!~ an~h_e__

----is 36 years-oTa::JI saw him get Ann shared some of her feelingsexcited and laugh when his brothers about returning to LCM and theand sister came to visit him. He choices she and Kevin have made.

seemed to recognize my voice and "We have always been blessed withsometimes respo~d ~it~ a smile. My good insurance for JK's medicalassociates in PedIatrIcs mvented needs. We wanted the best

games for his e~joymen~ lik~ "K~ck professionals to care for him. Wethe Can" or "FlIck the LIght whIch needed to adjust our ownalways elicits his gleeful laughter. personalities to get, sometimes to

demand, that our son receive the bestcare possible. At times he needed

Little Company of Mary Alumni Nurse Scholarship Award 2008Applications for the coming year of 2008 are now being accepted until

December 2007. To obtain an application and the criteria papers, please contact:

The objective of the scholarship program is to provide monetary assistancefor alumni and relatives of alumni beginning or continuing their nursingcareers through approved educational courses at accredited institutions.

Mary Cronin,Secretary of LCM Nurse

Alumni Association2800 W. 95th Street

Evergreen Park, IL 60805708-229-5066

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How scary for a little child to bewheeled up to Pediatrics to beadmitted as a patient, but thenhow relaxed and exciting asthey think that they have just

arrived at LCM'S Brookfield Zoo. The totally family­sensitive & colorful motif is a brilliantly portrayedmenagene.

Behavioral Health

When patients come toour Behavioral Health

Oupatient Services fortreatment of depressionor addiction, the

atmosphere of welcome and warmth means a greatdeal to them and enhances their courage to acceptneeded help. This department has a new home on the5th Floor (many alumni will remember it as 5th FloorSurgical) and the staff is delighted that this new areaprovides adequate space for the variety of services ofthis department, i.e., therapy, spirituality, AA, EA, NA,dual-diagnosis groups and the many ways the programaddressed the holistic needs of the patients.

Pediatrics

Elephants, monkeys, hippos, birds of every descriptionare just a few of the animals that decorate every inchof wall, creating a delightful and welcoming animalworld. From the minute you step off the elevator andenter Peds you are welcomed and surrounded by thenew decor. It is the hospital's best hope that thisfriendly environment will calm the fears that oftenaccompany admitting a child to Pediatrics. Thedepartment also provided a parent room complete withmicrowave, refrigerator, free internet access forresearch and lounging chairs. For the often long hoursat the bedside of their sick child, this is a wonderfulbackdrop for the incredible care offered by our nursesand physicians.

Remember the excitement of a new

home or apartment? Fresh paint,bright shining floors, so much spaceyou just didn't think you'd ever findenough 'stuff' to put in all those closets

and cabinets. Well, four areas of the hospital havejust had a recent transformation.

Endoscopy Center

The Doctors'

Lounge andlibrary received amuch neededface-lift. Better

lighting, space for IIn picture, Dr. Talal Sunbulli,d· t t' 11 Dr. Farhad Vossoughi, Dr. Piyush C. BuchIC a mg as we asimproved computer access, allows for physicians andthe medical staff to complete their records as well asparticipate in the functions of the hospital andsurrounding communities. It offers a comfortable spacefor quality of time and visits with physiciancolleagues. Its comfortable sitting area offers anopportunity to relax after hospital rounds; have a snackor beverage before heading to begin office hours orcatch up on their mail and reports.

The G.!. Lab, nowreferenced as the

"Endoscopy Center"has arrived to its new

'home' on the groundfloor, which onceupon a time was the

old emergency room. Inviting blends of colors andrich, warm paneling accents, make it a lessintimidating place for patients and their families.Expanded procedure rooms and suites make thoseclose quarters of yesterday, a thing of the past. Thework of this department has expanded over the years.The comfort of our patients; the new location for easeof entry into the hospital; as well as the professionalsatisfaction of our doctors in providing a 'state of theart' facility, was the priority of its relocation andrenovation.

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"It is both amazing and humbling to think that more thana quarter of a century has passed since I first became anurse. Where has the time gone? I can honestly say Ihave never regretted this career choice decision I madeso long ago. Nursing has never been a job to me. I feelin awe each day of the great responsibility we each carry.We are truly blessed as a profession. We have the abilityto make such a positive difference in the lives of others.Isn't it truly amazing that our patients and their familiesplace so much trust and confidence in us? We have theopportunity to touch the lives of others with our hands aswell as our hearts. I think about each of these thingseach time I place my stethoscope around my neck to startanother day as a nurse. "I think of the many doors thathave been open to me because of my profession.

Eight years ago I spent severalweeks in Kenya traveling throughthe bush administering to theMasai tribal people. We traveledto several different villages andpracticed under the most

. Jlldil1lent~lry_ofconciitions.Dirt _.floors, makeshift dwellings (usually not much more thena one room building constructed of sticks and mud) andonly the donated supplies we had brought with us. Nolabs. No X-ray machines. No operating room. Nodoctors. The majority of Africans who attended ourmedical clinics had traveled on foot, some for as many as50 miles. Their needs and wants were so very simplecompared to the complexities of care in our country.

It was a long time dream of Dennis Reilly, President/CEO (Husband of Christine Mrowca Reilly, '76) thatthe hospital have it's own choir. Clearly aware that therewas plenty of discovered and undiscovered talent andenthusiasm on 95th Street, the call (e-mail) went outseeking interested singers. Not only was the responsepositive, but the new choir represented manydepartments and voice qualities that singing in parts wasa given. For our debut, what better occasion then in2005, the 75th Anniversary ofthe Hospital. Since thattime, invitations have been plentiful. In the fall thechoir sang for the opening of the Annual Assembly ofCHA/ Catholic Health Association. Soon after the

choir was privileged to sing for the 50th Jubilee Mass

for Sister Kathleen McIntyre, '62

And, we learned about and treated diseases one neverencounters in the USA.

We had the opportunity to meet a few Kenyan nurseswho invited us into their hospitals. We saw for ourselveswhat a professional day in their lives entailed. How littlesupplies and equipment they had. How much of thedecision making was up to them as the presence ofdoctors was very rare. Back then a Kenyan nurse made$140 a month plus he/she was given a one room dwellingto share with another nurse. I look forward to hearingfrom anyone who has participated in a medical missiontrip. I would love to hear the details of your trip.(9106 E. Hobart Street, Mesa, Arizona, 85207)I have worn many hats during my nursing career. The

one I truly haveenjoyed is that ofbedside caregiver. Ihave absorbed massive

amounts of knowledgeand learned skills too

numerous to count along the way. By far the mostvaluable of all has been taught to me by my patients. Ithink of the many mentors (patients as well as nursingpeers) I have had over the years. I am so very grateful toeach of them for all they have selflessly shared with me.I think of the many friends I made while working there atLCM. I hope that each of them are feeling the sameabout nursing as I am. I hope that each of you has asmany stories to tell and as many memories to recall."

(Picture - 57 includesLCM Alumni - NancyOlsen,'76, PegSchneider,'62, MichelleShine Dignan,'76Nancy Barr Dowd,'72,Mary Alice Culina,'72

& Sister Sharon Ann Walsh, '62.On June 20, the choir headed to Navy Pier to sing at theMCHC/ Metropolitan Chicago Hospital CouncilLuncheon. Under the organization of Mary Jo Quick,RN, Mission Coordinator and Mr. Andy Perz, amasterful Choir Director, the spirit and love of musicis alive and the choir's repertoire is expanding, as wellas its membership.

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Mary Viola French Hansen, '35- Her son, Ken Hansen, formerChief Operating Officer at ourhospital, wrote from Florida toshare that his mom had died this

past year. That was very sad newsfor the Alumni to receive. Ourearlier conversations with her

about the beginning days at theSchool of Nursing were soengaging. It was the AlumniBoards delight to invite MaryViola and her classmate, Sarah

Farley McGrane & their familiesto be our guests for the AlumniLuncheon in 2001. We were

certain that celebrating their 65thAnniversary made them ourSENIOR Nurse Alumnae.

Sarah Farley McGrane, '35,Yorktown, Va.- Her nephew, Fr.Dennis O'Neill, shared that Sarahis in very poor health andbedridden. She lives with herhusband 'Dr. Mac' McGrane. On

the occasion of Mary ViolaHansen's and Sarah's 70th

Anniversary (2005) as LCMNurse Alumni, flowers were sentto both of them.

Mary Gartner Dean,'46 GrandRapids, Mich. -"What amarvelous incentive and financial

aid for these young peoplebeginning or advancing in theireducation in the nursing field. Mycongratulations to you for thevision and generosity in thepromotion of nursing excellence."(Christine McKeiver, ascholarship recipient, is the grand­daughter of Mary & great niece ofAnne Gartner Sims '55).

Mary Jane O'Sullivan, '47,Evergreen Park, Ill. - "Enjoyedthe AlumniLink! The Class of 55

were great nurses and fun-loving.In the earlier years we hadmonthly meetings. The note aboutJane Clark reminded me of the

fun night the Class of 55entertained us. Jane actuallywashed her hair in the bucket. I

can still see her stretching herbody to the floor up and down asher classmates sang. TheAlumniLink brings back manymemories. Keep it coming!"

Shirley CzosekBorhauer, '48,Bella Vista,Ark. - "Always happy to get theAlumniLink and read what the

alumni are up to. I would like tohear more about the Class of 48.

As for me, I am finishing my 3rdterm as an Arkansas State

Representative. Am term limited,so rather then retire, I'm runningfor City Council. I got a billpassed last session to make iteasier to vote to become a city.Wish me luck. Nurses - run for

office, we need you!"

Mary Miller Nelson, '48, CrownPoint, Ind. - "Have been living inIndiana for 20 years and retiredfrom Methodist Hospital. Have adaughter, Laurie NelsonMiller, RN, who graduated fromLCM also. She manages aPediatric Dept. at St. AlexisHospital in Schaumburg, IL. I'm amother of five and a grandma of15 and a great grandma of almostthree. I ask the dear Lord tocontinue to bless LCMH."

Margaret (Peggy) McCabe, '49,Glendale, Ariz. "I am writing toyour organization because Ireceived the announcement of

your reunion luncheon sent toPeggy McCabe. Peggy is nowliving at 7886 W. Pine, Glendale,AZ, 85308. This is an assisted

living facility. Peg lived alonemost of her life. I met her in

1997. We became great friends.She had her home in Sun City,Az. In April 2005 she had astroke. She was never the same

again. She then received care in anursing home. I took her out ofthe nursing home on June 2nd2005. I brought her home andcared for her until August 17,2006. She has Parkinson's disease

and it had progressed to the pointthat I just could not handle herany longer. I am 84 years old. Ihope you will relay thisinformation to her classmates. She

always had such great memoriesof Little Company of MaryHospitaL"Sincerely, William P. Marchino,Sun City West, Arizona

Julie Eigelsbach Scott, '49,Seattle, Wash. - "I volunteer atChildren's Hospital and RegionalMedical Center."

Gladys Dubrick Linsenbardt,'50, Las Vegas, Nev. - " I feel badthat there is never any news aboutmy class, but I still enjoy the"Link." I'd give my eyes and teethto be able to come back there fora luncheon."

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Elizabeth Juszczyk Mientus,'51, Chicago, Ill. - " Enjoy thenews and especially the photos.Wishing everyone good healthand happiness. P.S. Love andrespect to all of the good LCMSisters."

Marion Stoller Walles, '51,Mokena, Ill. - "As always I readthe AlumniLink on it's arrival.

Thank you! I retired in '95 afterworking 13 yrs. At the residenceof the Franciscan Sisters of the

Sacred Heart in Frankfort, but

they kept me in their computer &I've been a 'fill in' 1-2 days aweek at the motherhouse

infirmary. It's great! My bigfamily with 17 grandchildren(many live near), volunteering atSt. Mary's (funeral luncheons) &

. _~h~uSister'shuge .garage sale,some traveling and quilting keepsme busy. I'm sorry to havemissed the luncheon. Pat Allen,Mary Zita O'Shea and I had avacation treat to New England."

Virginia Schomig Krass, '51,Arbdale, Wis.- "Hi to all of myclassmates. Can next year reallybe our 55th? Pray God we cansee some dear old friends at thatreunion."

Shirley Rodemeyer Glinke, '52,North Port, Fla.­Shirley's cousin,Richard Myers, wasawarded an LCM Nurse Alumni

Scholarship and these are hiswords after attending the 2006luncheon. "Please cascade this tothe LCM Nurse Alumni

Scholarship Committee that I hadthe great fortune of meeting aweek ago. Both my wife and I

were very pleased to be in thecompany of a very dynamic andclose-knit group, such as theLCM Nurse Alumni. With the

history on the screen and thehistorians surrounding us, it waseasy to see and feel what makesthis group a very special one. Itwas our honor to be your guestsand both my wife and I extendgratitude to the Association andfor the pleasant time we had inyour company."

Marie Vilona Wilt, '52,McHenry, Ill.- Enjoy thenewsletter. I am an active

member of the ~.McHenry Civil War JM'Round table and give .' .:talks on Civil War Nursing andDress. I'm also a Landmark

Commissioner for the city ofMcHenry. Celebrating our 50thAnniversary.

Eileen Lundy Collins, '54,Crestwood, Ill. - "What abeautiful tribute to BettyDeTamble. Barb 'Murphy'Rooney & myself were activewith the Alumni and we could not

have done it without Betty's help.Also, 'Kudos' to all of you whohave kept the alumnae traditiongoing on."

Patt Reidy Stapleton, '54,Crestwood, Ill. - "I thoroughlyenjoy receiving the AlumniLink,especially this last issue. It wasgreat to see the pictures of theClass of 55 celebrating their 50thAnniversary. I knew and liked somany girls in their class. Severalclassmates and I still meet

monthly for lunch. Friendshipsforged in nurses training areforever. "

Mary Huppenthal Mazzocco,'55, Mesa, Ariz. - "Yes, I'm stillvolunteering with Mesa P.D. andBanner Health Care Wellness

Program as well as MesaCommunity College. I've cutback on travel due to back

problems but do plan on visiting abrother in Virginia this fall andthe Midwest next year. I doenjoy games, reading andsoduko."

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Joanne Lepley Rupprecht, '56,Mesa, Ariz. - "It's been 15 yearssince I saw anyone from myclass. It was the time of our 35th

Anniversary and I was able tocome. Since then I have retired

(was working in home health for15 years) and moved to Arizonain 97. Since my husband diedtwo years ago, I am moving toNew Mexico where I have family- as soon as I have finishedradiation for treatment of breast

cancer. I am feeling well and ammaintaining a positive outlook."

Lorraine Berg Alexander, '57,Pensacola, Fla. - " I graduated in1957, so our 50th Anniversary is

00 ••••• this year and I plan to be

• there. If you send out a.·.·;7mmg~ newsletter prior to then, I

would like to give someinformation to my nurse friendswho I haven't seen since our 25th.

I am presently living inPensacola, Florida, where myhusband Bill and I are retired. In

1975 when we were living inTacoma, Wash., and living at Ft.Lewis where my husband wasstationed in the Dental Corps, Itook a refresher course and wentback to work after the last of our

five children was 11 years old. Iworked in geriatrics and surprisedmyself by really liking it. Afterhis retirement we moved to

Jackson, MS where he taught atthe Dental School and I was

Director of Nursing at twodifferent nursing homes in that 16year period. Now for the past 12years, I have been the Chair ofthe Volunteers at the Naval

Hospital. It's always good to hearfrom my classmates. I hope tosee all of you in '07."

Audrey McGuire Munin, '58,Dallas, Tex. - "Congratulations tothe Class of 1956. My Sister,Joan McGuire Poots, '56, will bethere to celebrate her 50 yrs.Living so far away - AlurnniLinkhelps keep me in touch with myclassmates from 1958. I love the

pictures and look forward to my50th Reunion."

Helen Anne Walsh Marbury,'58, Temecula, Calif.- "Alive andwell. I love living in the West.I'm now retired and loving it. Mybest to all."

Cecily Prieve Higgins, '59,Allegany, N.Y.- "Enjoy all thepictures."

Collette Delaney Kelly Goble,'60, Rockford, Ill. -" Please letme know how I can order the capcharm in yellow gold and see it,if possible."

Joanne Dinga Wentz, 61,Whispering Pines, N.C.­"Greetings from a small village in

N.C. Enjoy theAlumniLink and the

news and photos."

Christine Dubiel Lovero, '62,Bolingbrook, Ill. - " Alwaysgood to hear wonderful newsabout LCM and the terrific nurses

and their accomplishments. Weare blessed."

Marilyn Lolli Vybiral, '62,Suring, Wis. - I was able toreceive a B.A. in Healthcare

Management in the late 80's.Continue to work part-time in asmall nursing home and enjoy it.We have ten grandchildren and

one great grand child.I still enjoy snowmobiling,hunting, fishing and gardening.Mom is still alive and will be 91

year's young. She has a 93-year­old gentleman friend."

Mary Ciszek Bourne Collo, '65,Phoenix, Ariz. -" Hiked Machu

Picchu, Peru inAugust 2006 - whatan exhilarating 'high'.Working full time-doing a diabetic

study to end summer of 2009 andbegin my retirement. Trying tokeep work and relaxationbalanced. "

Michaeleen Cahill Fisher, '70Our family is very grateful foryour generosity. Emily is anenergetic, enthusiastic and hardworking person. I know she willmake all of you proud." (Emilywas awarded a 2007 LCM Nurse

Scholarship).

Mary Kay Welter, '72,McHenry, Ill. - "Still workingfull time at Northem Illinois

Medical Center in McHenry."

Kim Piotrowski Opalacz, '82,Tinley Park, Ill. -" Thank youfor the great job that you do - I'meager to invite an instructor (s)and Mrs. Jablonski to our next

year's 25th Anniversary. "

Mary Ellen Jacher Lyons, '83,Ingleside, Ill. - "In September2006, I made the move out of thecity to the Chain of Lakes."

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Karen Hagemaster Grand­daughter of Deloris MeinhartHagemaster, '53

"What a wonderful surprise when Ireceived your note that I was a recipientof a scholarship from Little Company ofMary Nurse Alumni Association. Yourgenerosity will help me to realize mydream of acquiring a bachelor of sciencedegree from Northern Illinois University.Your kindness is greatly appreciated andwill long be remembered. "

Following this semester, I have threemore to finish, and I am certainlylooking forward to the day when I can beback as a financial contributor to myfamily once again. Thank you for yourgenerosity in helping us get through.

Richard Myers - Cousin ofShirley Rodemeyer Glinke,'52

"Thank you so much for selecting me asa recipient of the LCM Nurse AlumniScholarship. It is an honor to berecognized for my hard work anddedication in my years at the College ofNursing at Marquette University. I amextremely passionate about nursing andam confident I will excel in my nursingcareer. "

"I am extremely grateful for your help ingetting through my program at WesternMichigan University. This award couldnot have come at a better time. Mywife's position at the localpharmaceutical company was eliminatedrecently. The scholarship helped usimmensely in weathering some hardeconomic times in the state of Michigan.

Emily Fisher, Daughter ofMichaeleen Cahill Fisher, '70

The Little Company of Mary AlumniScholarship Committee has awardedfour outstanding applicants with thisyear 2007 scholarships. Here we sharesome of their letters of gratitude.

Christine McKiever Grand­daughter of Mary GartnerDean'46 and Anne GartnerSims, '55

"Ijust wanted to take the time to sayTHANK YOU very much for selecting me

for the LCM Nurse Alumni Scholarship.I am so excited to continue my nursingprogram at St. Mary's College. I amassured of getting an excellent educationwith the help of this scholarship. Thankyou so much for all your time and effortthat you put into the selection process. "

The 2006 Reunion hosted by theClass of 1956 and the untiringdevotion of Gloria FalboAdamonis,'56,(pictured), and thegenerous help of the Class of 1961,was months in preparation for ourannual gathering. The Mass ofRemembrance, was celebrated inthe Windsor Room by Fr. BillKenneally, (pictured pg. 13) PastorEmeritus of St. Gertrude's onChicago's northside and long timefriend of Marie McFadden Ruff,'56. The room was filled to full

capacity. Fr. Bill affirmed in hishomily the deep appreciation he hasfor Little Company of MaryHospital, where he has received hishealthcare for many years. Hispersonal experiences as a patientfacing serious illnesses, had onlyconfirmed in him the significantcontribution woman have made toour nursing profession, as well as tothe world. He was so generous andeffusive in his remarks, that at one

point he said, "I guess I had betterstop while I'm ahead." Many of theClass of 55 participated in the liturgy.After the Mass everyone gatheredinto the Astoria Grand Ballroom for

the Reception. The delight ofgreeting classmates, not seen formany years, gave great hilarity andraised the noise level significantly.The luncheon was nicely preparedand enjoyed. A beautiful fall flowerarrangement adorned every table.The gift presented to each alumniwas a book that the Sisters of the

Little Company of Mary hadcommissioned to be authored byMerrie Ann Nail, entitled WOMENOF HOPE - The Story of the LittleCompany of Mary Sisters inAmerica. For many alumni,especially of the early years, theywill find poignant accounts of thecourage and vision of the Sisters.The Anniversary Classes out didthemselves in providing a full backtable with over 25 wonderful gifts. Itwas a delight for many to have their

winning number called and be able toclaim their prize. Nancy RitaMeans Kaz, '62 and Chair of ourLCM Board of Representatives,always has the challenge every yearto gain the attention of the alumni forthe program. She not only shared theaccomplishments of the AlumniAssociation over the year, but alsointroduced two of our three

scholarship winners. RichardMyers, nominated by his cousin ofShirley Rodemeyer Glinke, RN,'52and Molly Flaherty, daughter ofSara Nestlehut Flaherty, RN, '61.The pictures shown in the next pageswill give you a glimpse of theenjoyment shared by all whoattended LCM Nurse AlumniLuncheon 2006.

2006 LCM Scholarship Winners

MollyFlaherty

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PRIZE WINNERS

Carol Johnson Kurucar, '57Sonicare Toothbrush 5 Helen Byrne Brett, '55

with Laverne StreleckyKoch, '56 Nurse LladroStatue

Sally Deacon Faucher,'61 Personalized LCM T­Shirt Rosella Nibaur Walters, '57

LCM Cap Pendant and Chain

Sarah Nestlehut Flaherty, '61$100 Cash Prize

GenevieveMajerusO'Connell,'53 WineCaddyw/2Bottles ofWine

KathyRiordanfull '66WaterfordCrystalCandyDish

MaryBrownRandich,'56 "Hurry,win aprize."

Sharon OchotaMadderon, '66HandmadeGingerbread House

Mary Alice EganHiggins, '44 NavyBlue Travel Blanket

Barb Malinowski Bertucci,'58 Framed ChristmasOriginal Art by Evelyn Flynn

Jackie Vinlove King,'56 Split the Pot ofGold Winner

Gloria Skvarce Askew, '62Lenox Winter Candy Dish

Helen Hogan Flynn, '56$100 Cash Prize

Mary Cronin, Sec. LCM AlumniHoliday Candle Collection

Elizabeth Berg Spann raft,'70 clutches her new VeraBradley-Black Floral Bag

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12

Wijhintj all alumni a

peaceful and jOlJOUj lJear!

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To all of ourNurse Alumni

We are always so grateful for yourgenerous donations and the timely

return of your yearly dues. It is solelybecause of these funds that we are able

to offer these scholarships.

Eleanor A. DeLuciaChairperson and LCM Nurse Alumni

Scholarship Award Committee

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Nancy Means Kaz, '62, Welcome andCall to Worship

Eucharistic Minister: Edna Wooding, '59 offering Wine toMary Jane O'Sullivan, 47'

Presentation of Gifts: Gift of Wine - Mary Gartner Dean, 46Gift ofLCM Cap - Marilyn Morris Lipuma, '56Gift of Wheat - Gloria Schick Kalchbrenner, '61

Fr. Bill Kenneally, CelebrantOffering Eucharist

Carol Doyle Heenan, '69Lector

Andy Perz & Anna Belle O'Shea

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