St. Mary’s General Hospital and Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton Present Prestigious Mission Legacy Awards
Nine local individuals honoured for ‘exceptional’ service to St. Mary’s
Kitchener, ON, Thursday, June 16, 2010 – St. Mary’s General Hospital is proud to celebrate nine local people who have contributed in “an exceptional manner” to the health care ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton, St. Mary’s General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health System and St. Joseph’s Resource Development System.
St. Mary’s was founded in 1923 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton and is a member of the St. Joseph’s Health System. For more than 80 years, St. Mary’s staff, physicians and volunteers have worked to provide excellent care with compassion and respect, says Moira Taylor, President. “St. Mary’s mission is one that is rooted in service, and reflects the values of our founders. The Mission Legacy Awards are one way in which we can recognize and honour the exceptional people who have left an indelible mark on our patients, community, and organization.”
Sister Anne Anderson, President and Chair of St. Joseph’s Health System, and Mr. Rob Way, Chair of St. Mary’s Board of Trustees, presented the awards in a ceremony attended by more than 100 people. Award recipients include visionary leaders, Sisters, volunteers, staff and physicians. Four awards were presented posthumously.
Here are the recipients:
Dr. D. J. Cameron*
Dr. Cameron began his surgical practice at St. Mary’s in 1962. He was known as a kind, soft-spoken man who cared immensely for his patients and was well respected by all of his colleagues. Dr. Cameron retired in 1996, after more than 30 years of service. He will be remembered for many years for his dedication to the mission of the Sisters.
Dr. Vincent Corrigan*
Dr. Vincent Corrigan came to St. Mary’s in 1952 as the first urologist in the region. Always a strong advocate for the mission of the Sisters, Dr. Corrigan’s connection to St. Mary’s would last over 30 years. He had a gentle nature, providing comfort as well as quality care to his patients. He was a person of deep integrity, loved and respected by the St. Mary’s family.
Rebecca Jesso
A member of the St. Mary's family since 1987, Rebecca exemplifies our mission through an enduring commitment to her patients and colleagues. She has worked as a nurse in the Emergency and Intensive Care areas and is also an educator. Rebecca has taught so many in her time at St. Mary’s, always demonstrating kindness and professionalism.
Dr. Douglas Letson
Dr. Douglas Letson became a member of the Board of Trustees in 1997, and served as Board Chair from 2005 to 2007. He gave tirelessly of his time, wisdom and talents throughout his tenure on the Board. Dr. Letson had a true understanding of the mission of St. Mary’s and the Sisters. He consistently supported a focus on serving the poor and marginalized in our communities.
Sister Roberta McKenna*
Sister Roberta McKenna was a nurse prior to entering the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister continued her nursing at St. Mary’s in the 1940’s, moving into a supervisory role in the Operating Room from 1950 to 1958. It is said that genuine kindness and happiness radiated from her in all her works. She was highly committed to ensuring the utmost in quality care for the patients.
Jan Merli
Jan Merli joined the St. Mary’s family in 1974 as a Play Therapist in Paediatrics. Her tireless devotion to St. Mary’s has been repeatedly demonstrated as she accepted many different roles within the organization. As the Director of Volunteers, Jan truly lives the mission of the Sisters in her mentoring and support of the St. Mary’s volunteers. She is a gentle leader with a strong vision.
Dr. Claus Rinne
Dr. Claus Rinne has been a practicing cardiologist in Kitchener for over 20 years. Dr. Rinne was instrumental in development of the Regional Cardiac Centre at St. Mary’s, and was the Medical Director from 1999-2008. His dedication and leadership in the early years of the program, combined with his enduring commitment to his patients, has earned him the deepest respect of his colleagues.
Brian Ruby
Brian Ruby joined the Board of Trustees in 1981 and was Chair of the Board from 1988-90. He also chaired the Foundation Board from 1994-96. Brian demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to St. Mary’s and to the mission of the Sisters. Under his leadership, the One Voice One Vision regional fundraising campaign raised $43 million in support of local hospital redevelopment, including the Regional Cardiac Centre at St. Mary’s.
Kay Schmidt*
For more than 25 years, Kay Schmidt served in both leadership and front line volunteer capacities at St. Mary’s. Kay was instrumental in the development of the volunteer organization in the early years and served as President of the Auxiliary for four years. Her close connection to so many people was a trademark of Kay’s friendly spirit and her dedication to the Sisters’ mission.
* Award presented posthumously
St. Mary’s invites you to help us celebrate and acknowledge those who have contributed in an exceptional manner to furthering our mission providing quality care with compassion, dignity and respect. For more information on nomination criteria, or to receive a nomination form, please contact the President’s Office at St. Mary’s at 519-749-6544 or visit our website at www.smgh.ca
Previous Recipients