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July 2014, Vol. 21, Issue 1SISTER KATHLEEN MCINTYRE, L.C.M., ‘62Cherished by all.entered Eternity April 21, 2014By Peg Schneider, ‘62I begin by sharing poignant words of theIrish poet and author, John O’Donohue,from his book titled, To Bless The SpaceBetween Us. John says, “When we arrive onearth, we are provided with no map for ourlife journey. Only gradually, as life unfolds,do we get an inkling of who we are and thepossibilities begin to emerge that call us. It isone of the weightiest decisions to decide whatto do with your life. The challenge is to find away of life that will be in harmony with yourgifts and needs.”Sr. Kathleen was a gift to so many people – so the incredible shock inDecember 2013, that she was receiving treatment for stomach cancer,seemed hard to grasp and believe. For more than 50 years as an LCMSister, Sr. Kathleen found a way that was in harmony with her gifts andneeds. I share these words of remembrance about Sr. Kathleen becauseshe was not only my companion as an LCM Sister, or an LCM classmateof 1962, but she was a most cherished friend.Her journey of almost 77 years is a testament that God gives the gifts,but we hold the responsibility for asking for the grace to use those gifts.I believe when God received and brought her home on April 21st,to be greeted by her parents, Nell and John McIntyre, her sister andbrother-in-law, Mary Ellen and Jack, and her many family membersand friends, the greeting was magnificent and He could only have said,“WELL DONE KATHLEEN, GOOD AND FAITHFUL WOMAN.”Upon her death, many city and local newspapers acclaimed herremarkable reputation as an amazing and visionary healthcare leader.In the sorrow that I felt, that we all felt, we also were so proud of her.Sr. Kathleen had a great capacity for life, for her religious andprofessional life, unquestionably, but she also had an enormouslybeautiful quality of enjoying life. I often felt, in this, she was so likeher mother, Nell. She had a contagious and inviting energy that whena solid fun opportunity presented itself, she would say, “Let’s do it.”God’s Love informedthe gift that was given.Sr. Kathleen receivedit and used it infull MEASURE.We thank her for thegift she has been to us andknow she continues to beloved in full measureby the God –“Who didn’tprovide the map, butalways the graces forher destinations and now,she is finally home.”
FeatureStorySr. Kathleen McIntyre, L.C.M. continuedShe entered the Little Company of Mary School of Nursing in1955. Her mom had recovered from a very serious illness andshe was impressed by the care her mother received. Then, thespark and decision to enter the LCM Sisters came when shewas partnering with an LCM novice in the chemistry lab.At her reception as LCM Sister, she received the nameSr. Robert, which perhaps was chosen because of her specialrelationship with younger brother, Robert. In 1962, shebecame an LCM graduate nurse, pronounced her final vowsin 1963 and was transferred later that year to Little Companyof Mary Hospital in Torrance, California, where she remainedfor 17 years. During that time, she obtained a BSN and aMasters in Spirituality from the University of San Francisco.Many people were attracted to the genuine qualitiesSr. Kathleen possessed; caring, availability and alwaysready for some fun attributes. Consequently, she made scoresof friends at USF with whom she remained in contact overthe years and she often looked forward to their reunions.While in California, Sr. Kathleen expanded her healthcareskills and horizons by becoming a member of the Board ofDirectors, working in Nursing Administration and becomingthe Congregations Formation/Vocation Director.Following her period in California, Sr. Kathleen returned toEvergreen Park in 1984 to help with the transition of bringingto close the glorious 54 years of nursing education sponsoredby the Little Company of Mary Sisters. It was good to haveher home but this weighty assignment had many layers ofconcern. It surely was a heartache decision for the manyintimately associated with the school and its years ofmaking amazing contribution to the profession of nursing.Peg Radakovitz, RN, a St. Bernard School of Nursinggraduate, and one of her faculty members, generouslyshared, “Sr. Kathleen masterfully orchestrated a difficultevent – the closing of our school in 1984. I loved being amember of the faculty and working with Sister. I found her tobe a director who was supportive, available and always givingopportunities to faculty members to improve their skills andgrow in self- knowledge. At the end, it was a time of sadnessand loss. Sr. Kathleen's care and honesty helped us unitetogether for the good of the students. The spiritual componentthat she highly valued had a significant influence on how weapproached our teaching and assisted us when we needed itmost. It helped us ‘band together’ and trust that we would, intime, find new position.”After the school closed and before she had accepted anotherassignment, I said to her, “Sr. Kathleen, what are you going todo next?” I will never forget her generous answer, “Whateveris needed, Peg.” That was in 1984 and, 30 years later, we nowgive thanks to this woman who was an amazing, gracious,intuitive and wise leader. At the heart of what gave her thegrace to meet each LCM chapter was the motto she took atprofession: ‘‘THE MEASURE OF ONE’S LOVE IS TOLOVE WITHOUT MEASURE.” Sr. Kathleen did not evermeasure her giving or her response to the needs that wereplaced in front of her as Provincial, as President/CEO, Chairof the Board of Directors, the magnitude of the decision forLCM Campus Transformation, or the needs of employees,family or friends.Over these past 30 years, Sr. Kathleen brought a deeper questto our hospital to embrace and live the mission of the LCMSisters and their Founder, Venerable Mary Potter, to whomshe had a such special devotion that she would ask MaryPotter to grant her the recovery miracle, so that Mary Pottercould become beatified. Because Kathleen was so beloved tous, we prayed for that same miracle, however, Eternity calledher, but had she stayed, she would have continued to LOVEAND GIVE WITHOUT MEASURE.During Sr. Kathleen's service led by Sr. Debbie Conley,L.C.M., ’57, I had the privilege of leading a song entitledWHEREVER YOU GO by the composer, GregoryNorbert. The third verse for me best speaks of the waySr. Kathleen led her life and how she came to live her life inharmony with the gifts God gave her.“When the time of our particularsunset comes, our things and ouraccomplishments won’t really mattera great deal, but the clarity and carewith which we have loved others willspeak with vitality of the great giftof life we have been for each other.”2
FeatureStoryAll these years and so much a part of us.Four interviews with four LCM Graduates no longer at the bedside, but servingin LCM Healthcare!Many thanks to AlumniLink reporters, Pat Sheehan Foster,’62 and her classmateand friend, Kathy Warren,’62, for locating and interviewing four of our LCM graduates,who have been with us many years at LCMH Evergreen Park. As you read theirstories, it may tap your memories of shared experiences or people you know.AlumniLink reporters, Pat SheehanFoster, '62 and Kathy Warren, '621EliseMowerFarrell, ’70,Oak Lawn,IL Elise’s firstassignment after graduationwas to work on 4 South,a surgical unit, with Mrs.Theresa Flynn, as her headnurse for five years. 4 South was one of the smaller floorswith only three wings (A.C.D. and B. were surgery suites.)Next move, an opportunity opened to accept a position towork with a group of LCM OB/GYN doctors, a practice calledOmnibus Medical. In this practice were several OB/GYNphysicians, two of which were very well known to our LCMnurse graduates, Dr. Ben Jagodzinski, (husband of JudyNorka Jagodzinski,’60) and Dr. Jose Cava, who becamewell known as a skillful Gynecology/Oncology surgeon.The physicians in this practice were very popular and busywhich landed Elise a full time position. This full time statuswas a blessing to Elise as her family with her husband,Charlie, grew to four boys and five grandchildren. When theOmnibus Medical practice began to change with the death ofDr. Cava from cancer, Dr. Ben’s retirement and the relocationof other physicians, Elise moved to an OB/GYN practice inLaGrange, where she remained for 12 years. However, shewas grateful to return to LCMH in 2008, when she had anopportunity to set up an obstetrical practice at the LCMBurbank Care Station. She brought years of experience tothis assignment, but when a Coordinator position opened upat LCM Health and Education Center, Elise was pleased toaccept this position and to work with an incredible director,Joan Murphy, RN, Ph,D., and her amazing and engagingstaff. Joan, a long time LCM employee, had over the morethan past 25 years developed programs on the creative‘cutting edge’ for women and family health, as well as ahealth promotion outreach to our employees, and the civiccommunity. This was a new challenge for Elise, but the fitwas and is still right. She said, “In years past, a nurse’s rolewas caring for the sick at the bedside.Here, I find myself involved in healthcare,but our focus is now on prevention andthe promotion of a healthy life style. It isrefreshing and I’m in a position to promote thehospital, its physicians and the many good andcontinuing works of the LCM Sisters.”3
FeatureStoryFour interviews with four LCM Graduates2CindyStaskiewiczDeuser, ’80Mokena, ILCindy, a diplomagrad from theclass of '80, is married withtwo grown children. It isnot unusual for an LCMHNurse to find their healthcare career expanded. That isexactly what has been Cindy’s journey at LCMH. Her firsteight years after graduation she worked on the 6th FloorOncology Unit as a staff nurse, where she felt she learneda great deal, developed her bedside skills and most of all,her compassion in caring for patients. She valued theseexperiences with her patient’s, co-workers and physicians.She went on to complete her BSN through Lewis University.After her oncology experience, she worked in the LCM3MichelleShineDignan, ’76Chicago, ILMichelle’sgraduating classof 1976, was thefirst LCM nursingclass of a two year consolidated program. After graduation,Michelle remained at LCM, working first in postpartum, thenL&D at Little Company of Mary for a total of nine years as astaff nurse and nurse manager. She received her BSN fromSt. Xavier University while working in L&D. After stayinghome with her infant son, Danny, for 15 months, she tooka part time position at Loyola University Medical Centerworking with high risk pregnant women. This experiencenot only afforded her the opportunity to obtain her MSN atEducation Department, developing patient educationmaterials. The majority of her career, however, has beenin the Quality Improvement area. Cindy’s expertise in QIwas one of the factors in the continued accreditation ofLittle Company of Mary Hospital by the Joint Commission.More significantly, however, was the development of theOrganizational PI program, whereby all departments areaccountable to assessing, monitoring and improving the careprovided to the patients. Today, Cindy serves as the VicePresident for Performance Improvement and has receivedher Masters in Health Care Administration. When asked topick out only one of her special memories at Little Company,Cindy was hard pressed to narrow it down to only one, as shewas constantly impressed by the day to day camaraderie andcaring of the entire hospital staff. She did share, however,how fortunate she felt to be included with other hospitalstaff and LCM Sisters to travel to Nottingham, England(Birth place of LCM) to participate in the pilgrimage ofwalking in the footsteps of Venerable Mary Potter.Loyola, but also provided valuable experience in her field. Itwas at the end of seven years at Loyola that Michelle wasapproached by Marie McFadden Ruff, ’56, Vice Presidentof Patient Services at LCMH, and asked to return as aClinical Nurse Specialist in the OB Department. That was20 years ago and, over that time, she has worked in variousroles. During these years, her interest in the business sideof healthcare increased and she obtained her Masters ofBusiness Administration. She is currently the AdvancedPractice Nurse and Business Manager in the Family BirthCenter. She is a member of the hospital choir and hashad the privilege of singing at multiple liturgies, includingthe hospitals 75th Anniversary and the celebration of theopening of the West Pavilion. She has many wonderfulmemories, including being part of countless births, andrecalls the celebration of the 200,000 birth, giving LCMH therecord of the most births of any Catholic Hospital in Illinois.4
FeatureStoryFour interviews with four LCM Graduates4Carol DoyleHeenan, ’69Oak Lawn, ILAccepting a positionin the LCMH Surgical IntensiveCare Unit was the beginning ofa long and distinguished careerat LCMH. Carol spent 15 yearsin SIC, 14 of which she was theHead Nurse after been mentoredby Pat Mungovan Herbes,’67. Aside from her love of patientcare, this unit holds a special place in her heart, as it wasthere she met her husband, Dan Heenan, who now worksas a Nurse Anesthetist for Evergreen Anesthesia at LCM.They recently celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary. In1982, Carol completed her BSN at St. Xavier University. Thefollowing year, 1983, the stork brought her next title, that ofmother to a beautiful baby girl, Melissa. Around the sametime, advances in technology and computer software createdopportunities for automation of the billing processes withphysician practices. The hospital was approached by IBMto install five software licenses into five busy practices andhelp our MIS staff develop a link from these five practicesback to the hospital’s mainframe in order to obtain lab andradiology reports online in their offices without having to callthe hospital for results. With some encouragement, fromDennis Reilly, (presently, our President/CEO and husbandof Chris Mrowca Reilly, '76), Carol took on some additionalhours in Physician Services along with every other weekendsin SIC to learn office practice and begin training the officestaff on how to utilize the practice management softwarethe practice management software to register patientsfrom ledger cards, put in charges, post payments, send outbills and claim forms and more importantly, how to “Linkto the Hospital.” What began as a venture of five physicianpractices grew to over one hundred physicians utilizingthe software to automate their business practices andtake advantage of the LCM Link. As the project continuedto grow, Carol left direct patient care in 1987 and movedto Administrative Services, accepting the position ofCoordinator for Physician Practice Management. Inretrospect, this was the forerunner of the LCM MedicalGroup. Among the services offered were billing, humanresources, employment of physicians and supporting officestaff, payroll, AP, computer services, etc. This was such aninnovative project that the hospital was sponsoring, thatCarol and Dennis Reilly were asked to speak at severalconferences around the country regarding the technology atLCM and how they were connecting to physician practices.In 1999, Carol accepted the position of Director ofProfessional Services, which she has continued to hold.This position encompasses many of the Affiliated Servicesdepartments, which continued on physician and office staffemployment, physician EMR, a billing service, urgent care viathe Care Stations, and property management.Dennis Reilly, President and CEO, presented a certificateto Carol Heenan, Director Professional Services, whoretired after 45 years of service.On June 27, 2014, after forty-five yearsof dedicated service, Carol has retired.and is embracing another passion, that of being theGrandmother and part-time caregiver and spoiler of hergrandson, Cayden. Congratulations Carol, thank you forall you have given of yourself to LCMH and enjoy your wellearned retirement. We will deeply miss you.5
aluMNISCHOLARSHIPSLCM AlumniNursing ScholarshipsAlmost ten years ago, Eleanor DeLucia, ’61,encouraged our Alumni Board to consider expandingthe mission and purpose of our Board by supportingnursing education and putting in place a process forfamily members of our alumni choosing a nursingprofession, to be considered for a scholarship.Eleanor’s leadership was truly visionary. With theaward of these next six scholarships, over 100,000dollars has been awarded to 41 worthy recipients.The great generosity of our Alumni is what has madethis possible – and we thank you abundantly.Little Company ofMary Nurse AlumniScholarships 2014After reviewing the applications and holding telephoneinterviews with each candidate, the scholarshipcommittee was delighted to present to the LCM Boardof Representative, the six chosen woman who were mostimpressive, inspiring and clearly would be a great credit toour nursing profession.We present them to you.Bridget Therese Good, daughter ofGracemarie Crane Novak, ’82, ispursuing her BSN at Illinois StateUniversity and the Mennonite nursingprogram, Normal, Illinois. In Bridget’sown words, “growing up in a family ofnurses was never dull. Every family gathering containedtalk of the latest medical practices, advice on beinghealthier, and of course, stories of patients that foreverimpacted these nurses. These conversations from mymother, aunts, and cousins were full of such passion anddedication that I admired so much, and it is that passiondisplayed by my family that has laid the foundation for mydream of becoming a nurse.Again, we share the criteria. The candidate must bea relative LCM Nurse Alumni or an LCM School ofNursing Graduate. Applications must be submitted byApril 1st, allowing the scholarship funds to be availablefor the candidate’s school for the coming year.For scholarship applications, please contact ourLCM Nurse Alumni secretary, Cindy Prepura at708-229-5067 or visit www.LCMH.org/Scholarship.Nursing is a profession where care and compassion areessential in order to be successful.” Bridget acknowledgesthat she possesses these qualities and wants to be anadvocate for the patient, as well as their family whenduring a time of struggle, they need that support. Sheshared a significant time in her life, when the personaloutreach was transformative. Again she shares, “In 2005, Ilost my father to a sudden heart attack. During the chaosof that day, my aunt, a registered nurse, took me asideon a walk. We walked around my neighborhood as shetalked me through the whole loss. Looking back, I knowwithout a doubt that she was talking to me as a nurse. Shespoke to me as if I was one of her patients that had justsuffered a loss and that sensitivity, wisdom and kindnesshas made a lasting imprint on my character.” Bridget hasshown remarkable generosity throughout her high schoolyears in outreach to the less fortunate and now at collegeis a tireless leader as a member of the Student NursesAssociation and working closely with her sorority, EpsilonSigma Alpha, which has raised over 121,000 this yearfor St. Jude Research Hospital, a worthy cause she ispassionate about. Bridget’s mom, Gracemarie CraneGood, ’82, shared she is brimming with excitement abouther daughter’s future in nursing. She said that “the earlytragic losses in her life at such a young age, has allowedher to learn what is important in life. She’s learned tomanage everyday priorities and determine what actionsmust be taken and what can wait.” A mother’s praise, whatcan be more cherished? Bridget will soon join her devotedfamily of nurses.6
aluMNISCHOLARSHIPSNicole Gleisner, granddaughter ofChristine Donovan Miller, ’63, ispursuing a BSN at the University ofIowa in Iowa City, Iowa. Nicole hasknown a good portion of her life thatshe wanted a career in the medical field.She too, has many family members whohave shown her the way and example asregister
was grateful to return to LCMH in 2008, when she had an opportunity to set up an obstetrical practice at the LCM Burbank Care Station. She brought years of experience to this assignment, but when a Coordinator position opened up at LCM Health and Education Center, Elise was pleased to Jo
