With much GRATITUDE, we dedicate this page to our VOLUNTEERS!
We have often heard it said..."If you need something done, ask a busy person - and it will get done!" Well, that saying has proven so true of all of our volunteers! As you read these brief bios on each one, you will find that they ARE among the very busy but always manage to find the time to help someone in need (especially us!). We are so very grateful to each one for their kind and generous ways in assisting us here at the Conference Center. We frequently say to one another, and to them: "We could never do what we do without you!" And so, we call on our most generous and gracious God to bless each one with the gifts and graces needed most in their lives...and in the lives of their families and those they so cheerfully serve!
Introducing...Lois Carita
Following forty plus years in health care administration and various parish activities at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church in Bryn Mawr, I discovered the IHM Conference Center in the fall of 2019. Like many retirees who seek a sense of purpose at this stage in life, I felt welcomed, at home, and even needed from the moment I walked up the Conference Center steps to attend my first program. Since then, whether working in the pantry or in the kitchen, decorating for a holiday or shopping for those festivities, I have found volunteering at the Conference Center is nothing less than a blessing.
Following forty plus years in health care administration and various parish activities at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church in Bryn Mawr, I discovered the IHM Conference Center in the fall of 2019. Like many retirees who seek a sense of purpose at this stage in life, I felt welcomed, at home, and even needed from the moment I walked up the Conference Center steps to attend my first program. Since then, whether working in the pantry or in the kitchen, decorating for a holiday or shopping for those festivities, I have found volunteering at the Conference Center is nothing less than a blessing.
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And...Nancy Lowry
I first met the IHM Sisters at Archbishop Carroll High School and then at St. Alice Parish in Upper Darby where my husband Vince and I raised our two children, Maura and Andrew. We then moved to Drexel Hill where I currently live. I am a member of St. Dorothy Parish. Vince and I were happily married for 45 years. Our daughter Maura had Down Syndrome and was our precious gift from God. Maura was always happy and she taught us everything that we needed to be happy. I am so proud of Andrew. He is the best son with twin sons, Andrew and Joey, age 8, who are my pride and joy. Andrew is the Principal at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Glen Mills. Vince and Maura are now our angels in heaven watching over our family. My grandsons are very active in sports and I enjoy cheering them on at all their events. I also follow the Eagles, Phillies and Villanova basketball although I am a St. Joe's Graduate. As a volunteer at Camilla Hall, I enjoy serving lunch to the elderly Sisters and talking with them. I am so inspired by all the work they did in so many places here, in other states, and in South America as well as the number of years that they were engaged in active ministry. I attend the 12:05 daily Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova Rosemont Chapel where I am a Lector, belong to the Rosary Group and participate in the Ministry to the Homeless by making casseroles. |
I have just completed my first year as a Volunteer at the IHM Conference/Retreat Center. This experience has truly been my “Dream Job” after I retired from the County of Delaware as a Human Services Administrator. It is a privilege to work closely with the Sisters who are so warm and welcoming and all the other wonderful volunteers, who have become my friends, to provide hospitality and service at educational events and spiritual enrichment gatherings. |
Introducing...Alice Boppell
It has been 10 years since I walked into the Conference Center seeking spiritual direction. It wasn’t long before I accepted Sr. Catherine’s invitation to become her second volunteer at the center. The count is now 24! However did I get here?
I am a mother of 5, grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of one. St. Dorothy’s in Drexel Hill has been my parish for 57 years where I have served as Eucharistic Minister and Administrative Assistant in their Religious Education Program. Employment covered a variety of experiences: secretary, banker, corporate manager, hospital and hospice chaplain. I enjoy water coloring and singing with the William Penn Community Chorus.
It has been a most rewarding decade at the center, not only with spiritual direction, but assisting Sr. Beth and others among the pots, pans and dishes. Doing whatever was needed, I have found what all volunteers find: a loving, supportive and often fun-filled “home” with the Sisters and other volunteers. Come join us!
It has been 10 years since I walked into the Conference Center seeking spiritual direction. It wasn’t long before I accepted Sr. Catherine’s invitation to become her second volunteer at the center. The count is now 24! However did I get here?
I am a mother of 5, grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of one. St. Dorothy’s in Drexel Hill has been my parish for 57 years where I have served as Eucharistic Minister and Administrative Assistant in their Religious Education Program. Employment covered a variety of experiences: secretary, banker, corporate manager, hospital and hospice chaplain. I enjoy water coloring and singing with the William Penn Community Chorus.
It has been a most rewarding decade at the center, not only with spiritual direction, but assisting Sr. Beth and others among the pots, pans and dishes. Doing whatever was needed, I have found what all volunteers find: a loving, supportive and often fun-filled “home” with the Sisters and other volunteers. Come join us!
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And...Ellen Wallace
A native Philadelphian, I grew up in the Overbrook section of the city, attending St. Callistus Elementary School and Merion Mercy HS. As a young adult, I taught grade school for several years in South Philadelphia and then spent the majority of my career as an information specialist in two different corporate information centers. A member of St. Dorothy Parish in Drexel Hill since 1994, I have been a volunteer at the IHM Conference Center for ten years and greatly enjoy working in the pantry, setting up the dining room, making the “Arnold Palmer” beverage and taking care of the dishwasher. However, my favorite part of working at the Center is being with the wonderful staff and volunteers! |
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Introducing...Michaele Wicks
I grew up in NY City as Michaele Kathleen Barry, graduated from St. Teresa Grammar School, Bishop McDonnell H.S. and St John’s School of Nursing. In 1969 I married a U.S.M.C. Officer, Robert J. Wicks, by name. Together, we were blessed first by a daughter, who over the years has increased our blessings a hundredfold by bringing us a son-in-law, and two granddaughters along with all the goodness she has brought to the world.
My first 20 years of professional life was as a Critical Care Nurse. After that, I returned to graduate school for Theology and the remainder of my career was dedicated to teaching at all levels of Catholic education and to parish ministry. Now, as a retiree, I have the great good fortune of being welcomed as a volunteer at Camilla Hall, the St. Agnes Day Room, and the IHM Conference/ Retreat Center. The people I work among in each of these ministries continue to enrich my soul and fill my heart with hope. |
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And...Rosemary Keinath
I have been married for 38 years to my wonderful husband, Larry. My son, Jason, and daughter-in-law, Sam, live in Seattle with my 15 month old grandson, Ezra! They give me much joy and I try to visit as often as I can. I am a retired teacher and find it fulfilling to give of my time. It is always a fun time volunteering at the Center and helping the Sisters with cooking and serving the guests. Sister Beth, who plans the meals for the programs, is part of my family and told me about this opportunity. I have already been a volunteer at the Center for two years! I also volunteer at St. Thomas of Villanova and Delaware County Literacy Center as a tutor as well as at Divine Providence Village as a companion. Anyone looking for a volunteer opportunity would enjoy working at the Center. I am enjoying getting to know the other volunteers and I know you would too. |
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Introducing...Eileen Gallo
As a member of Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish and an Extraordinary Minister of Communion, I am also a member of our parish Lay Augustinian Group. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY and attended the parish elementary school of St. Vincent Ferrer; on to Catherine McAuley HS and St. John’s University as well as the Brooklyn College of the City University of NY. This education prepared me to teach Social Studies in HS until my first child was born. After the birth of our third daughter, I became a substitute teacher in our parish school until an opportunity to be the Librarian at my Alma Mater became available and there I remained for 17 years! My next step was moving to the Bryn Mawr area nearly 11 years ago.
As a Mom of three daughters and “Nana” to 7 grandchildren, I count as blessings my extended family and many friends here in PA and back in Brooklyn, along with many fond memories of the girls growing up near their own grandparents and other relatives. Parish life was the center of our family’s religious life, with school, sports, Girl Scouts lending multiple opportunities to volunteer.
New to our area, an interest in religious enrichment programs brought me to the IHM Conference Center. After attending a few programs, I noticed some friendly ladies helping out and decided to become a volunteer. That was nearly six years ago. I really enjoy doing anything at the Center: decorating, table setting, serving, cleaning up, and helping to prepare food in the kitchen. I’ve found that there are such wonderful, admirable, friendly, and caring Sisters and volunteers here!
As a member of Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish and an Extraordinary Minister of Communion, I am also a member of our parish Lay Augustinian Group. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY and attended the parish elementary school of St. Vincent Ferrer; on to Catherine McAuley HS and St. John’s University as well as the Brooklyn College of the City University of NY. This education prepared me to teach Social Studies in HS until my first child was born. After the birth of our third daughter, I became a substitute teacher in our parish school until an opportunity to be the Librarian at my Alma Mater became available and there I remained for 17 years! My next step was moving to the Bryn Mawr area nearly 11 years ago.
As a Mom of three daughters and “Nana” to 7 grandchildren, I count as blessings my extended family and many friends here in PA and back in Brooklyn, along with many fond memories of the girls growing up near their own grandparents and other relatives. Parish life was the center of our family’s religious life, with school, sports, Girl Scouts lending multiple opportunities to volunteer.
New to our area, an interest in religious enrichment programs brought me to the IHM Conference Center. After attending a few programs, I noticed some friendly ladies helping out and decided to become a volunteer. That was nearly six years ago. I really enjoy doing anything at the Center: decorating, table setting, serving, cleaning up, and helping to prepare food in the kitchen. I’ve found that there are such wonderful, admirable, friendly, and caring Sisters and volunteers here!
And...Carol Gardner
I am a graduate of St. Leonard’s Academy in Philadelphia and have been married for 58 years. We are blessed to have four sons, one grandson and four granddaughters.
St. Dorothy’s in Drexel Hill has been my parish for 50 years where I also taught CCD (now called PREP) for 6 years. I also served on the Aronimink Elementary School Board and worked in the school library for about ten years.
Did you shop at Macy’s in Springfield? Macy’s was my employer for 32 years: 2 years on the selling floor and 30 years in the cash office and customer service. After retiring from Macy’s I found much to do at home but then returned to work for UPS in the Drexel Hill Store for another four years.
I have been a volunteer at the IHM Conference Center for one year, working in the pantry and the kitchen, and look forward to continuing to be a help wherever I can.
I am a graduate of St. Leonard’s Academy in Philadelphia and have been married for 58 years. We are blessed to have four sons, one grandson and four granddaughters.
St. Dorothy’s in Drexel Hill has been my parish for 50 years where I also taught CCD (now called PREP) for 6 years. I also served on the Aronimink Elementary School Board and worked in the school library for about ten years.
Did you shop at Macy’s in Springfield? Macy’s was my employer for 32 years: 2 years on the selling floor and 30 years in the cash office and customer service. After retiring from Macy’s I found much to do at home but then returned to work for UPS in the Drexel Hill Store for another four years.
I have been a volunteer at the IHM Conference Center for one year, working in the pantry and the kitchen, and look forward to continuing to be a help wherever I can.
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Introducing...Cathy DiBella
My name is Mary Catherine Corr DiBella, and everyone calls me Cathy. I am a Mom to 3 - Sam, Andrew, and Theresa. I have 4 beautiful grandchildren - Jackson and Joseph, both 10, Evelyn is 9 and Ella is 7. They are the joy of my heart! My son Sam is married to Jennifer and they have 2 children. Sam is a school teacher and Jen is a social worker and they live 2 doors away from me. My son Andrew is the DEO of a grant writing company and lives in New York. Theresa is married to Christopher and they have 2 children. They live in Hamburg, PA where Theresa works in the school Library and Chris is a teacher. I am a retired teacher of Special Education and loved every minute of teaching. I live in Woodstown, NJ and belong to the parish The Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit. I am a Eucharistic Minister and coordinate our big fundraiser, Christmas Trees on Parade. I have been attending conferences at the IHM center for a few years and decided I wanted to volunteer so my friend Pat and I signed up. I like working in the kitchen and just chatting with the Sisters. The IHM Conference center is a wonderful, happy place to be and I am grateful for every opportunity to spend there. |
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And...Pat Drager
I’m Pat Drager and was married to my husband, Mike, for almost 40 years when he passed away in 2018 of a brain tumor. We do not have children, but many nieces and nephews. Prior to retirement I was a school counselor. Early in my career, I taught Spanish, mostly at the high school level. I have taught and done counseling from elementary level through college level instruction along my many years in education. I am an active member of the Catholic Community of The Holy Spirit in Woodstown, NJ. I am part of the Social Justice Ministry there as well as being involved with The Disciples' Pantry which is a community food pantry supported by our parish and other community groups. As well, I do virtual support work for the American Brain Tumor Association and advocacy for the National Brain Tumor Society as a way to help those who are suffering as did my dear husband. I am involved, also, with service at The Cathedral Kitchen in Camden, NJ which provides a hot meal to those in need in the Camden area. I very much enjoy working outdoors. I have several gardens of flowers in my yard which bring me joy. In addition to activities mentioned above, I keep active with yoga and walking. I have been attending conferences for about 3 years (pandemic in between) at the IHM Conference Center. Over the last year, I have been a volunteer. I first became acquainted with the IHM Conference Center thanks to Cathy DiBella, a friend and member of my parish. It has been a rewarding experience to spend time praying, learning and/or helping at the IHM Conference Center. The Sisters are special people! |
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And...Chris Geiger
My name is Christina Geiger and I live in Woodstown NJ with my husband Kurt. We have lived here for over 30 years and raised 3 children. Gretchen works at the Baltimore Aquarium, Emma is a nurse anesthetist in Virginia and Drew is in the military and deployed for two years to Spain last Fall with his wife and my only grandchild. I am a retired Occupational Therapist and transitioned easily to many volunteer activities. I also enjoy playing tennis, pickleball, gardening, and reading. I am a member of the Catholic Community of Holy Spirit in Woodstown and am active with the Social Justice Committee. I heard about the IHM Conference Center’s volunteer opportunities through a fellow parishioner and am so grateful for the opportunity to join in and get to know the staff and other volunteers while helping to serve the guests there. |
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Introducing...Carolyn Kaczmarczyk
My name is Carolyn Kaczmarczyk. My husband Joe and I have been married for 44 years. We have a son and a daughter, 3 grandchildren and one due in mid-September. Joe and I have lived in Gallup, NM (4 years) and Gaithersburg, MD (19 years) before we moved to the Drexel Hill area 12 years ago. We are parishioners at St. Dorothy Church. Besides volunteering at the IHM Conference Center, I also volunteer at two Food Pantries: Ridley Methodist Church and Loaves and Fishes. |
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And...Marilyn Harvey
I am a wife to John, mom to Robert, Kelly, John and Jeff, and a very proud and active Mom Mom to 8 grandchildren. Arinn Marie is a career Master Staff Sergeant in the Air Force; RJ is currently working at the Hospital of the University of PA as Manager of PeriOp supplies and also attends school; Psalm just graduated Penn State and is working for a bank; Giulianna works as a registrar for Penn Medicine and continues to attend school; Sadie is a senior in high school; Justin is in middle school while Maddie is in 4th grade and Gabriel, who is a genius (he taught himself to read words and spell), is in Pre-K. My grandkids give me hope for the future and fill my heart with wonder and joy. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend at the IHM Conference center. I consider my faith as essential to my walk with the Lord. Little acts of service give me an opportunity to say "yes" whenever I have some time and energy to share. The camaraderie and interactions with the Sisters and other volunteers always leave me more joyful and peaceful. I am so thankful and blessed to be a part of this lovely group of IHM Conference Center volunteers! |
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Introducing...Dottie Donahue
My name is Dottie Donohue and I am a member of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Media where I am a Eucharistic Minister and have been volunteering at the nearby IHM Conference Center for several years. I lost my first husband after 28 and a half years…we have three children, a son and two daughters. I was blessed a second time when I met John, who also lost his spouse; we’ve been married for 26 years. Together we have a total of 12 grandchildren – the joy of our lives! In addition to volunteering at the Conference Center, I am also involved in Hope Ministry, Bereavement Ministry in our parish and also volunteer at Camilla Hall. Volunteering at the IHM Conference Center is a privilege and a spiritual blessing for me! |
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And...Pat Brydges
I’m Pat Brydges and have been married to my husband Hugh for 51 years. We have 5 sons, including a set of twins, and 16 grandchildren who bring great joy to our lives. We are members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield. I was a Geriatric nurse prior to my retirement. I enjoy spending time at the shore as well as reading and walking outdoors. I love coming to the Center where I have been a volunteer for several years…and the Sisters always hear me say that I personally get so much more out of coming to help than I give! |
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Introducing...Barbara Bevilacqua
I’m Barb Bevilacqua, a parishioner at nativity BVM in Media. I am a recently retired nurse, married with four grown children and three grandsons, all of whom are happy and healthy, PTL! After my retirement, having always loved volunteer work, I was so happy to have more time to get involved in other activities. I was very excited to be introduced to the IHM Center with the wonderful, kind and loving Sisters who make everyone feel welcomed and cared for at first meeting. It is so enjoyable and so much fun to work with and get to know the Sisters and the other volunteers.
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And...Joanne Kenny
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My name is Joanne Kenny and I am sort of a “newbie” to the Conference Center, having volunteered for just a year…and looking forward to continuing in the coming months.
I worked for 43 years as an RN, mostly in hospitals; 15 of those years, when I was a bit younger, I worked in the Emergency Department. I’ve also been a Healthcare Advocate for my father as well as a long-time Caregiver and Advocate for both my mother and sister. Music, the Philadelphia Eagles and reading, especially anything medical or on the spiritual life, are among my great interests. I live quietly with a sweet, three-legged cat named Micah. A bit of interesting background info is that my family was fortunate to be among the many friends of a remarkable priest, Father Walter Ciszek, SJ, whose cause for canonization is in progress. I also have a huge interest in Ireland and its history, especially with “second” cousins who live there. I actually have dual citizenship both in Ireland and in the USA! I’ve visited Ireland (and my cousins) several times and would love to live there for a little while. |
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Introducing...Patty Kearney
I’m Patty Kearney and am married to my husband Tom for 47 years now. We have four children, all grown and married with children. Tom and I have 6 grandchildren ranging from ages 6 to 15 and I’m happy to say that they keep me busy! We are fortunate to have a second home in Cape May where we are able to gather frequently over the summer months. I grew up in Ardmore, attending St. Denis School and then Archbishop Carroll HS. Currently, I am a member of SS. Simon and Jude parish. I worked for the CCIU for 18 years as an assistant and communication facilitator for deaf and hard of hearing children. I enjoy volunteering at Home of the Sparrow, an organization that assists women working to move on from shelters. I also love working at the IHM Conference/Retreat Center because I feel that they are doing very important work AND everyone is so kind and caring. |
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And...Peggy Hanson
I’m Peggy Hanson and I was born and raised in Philadelphia. I attended Saint Joan of Arc grade school, Little Flower High School and I have a degree in English and a certificate of Theology from Immaculata University. I have been very blessed to be married to my husband Mike for 48 years and we have a married daughter and married son and 4 grandchildren from ages 2-18 who bring us so much joy! I spent most of my working career at my present home parish, Saints Simon and Jude in West Chester where I worked for 23 years. My children and grandchildren also belong to the same parish and graduated from there as well before attending high school and college. In my spare time I enjoy reading and my beach house in Cape May but my ultimate favorite pastime is football…I am now in my 50th year as a season ticket holder for the Philadelphia Eagles - GO BIRDS! I so love my time volunteering at the Conference Center with the Sisters. It is not like work at all but just a sense of friendship, spirituality, laughter and prayer. Being there always centers me back to my faith and what is really important. I will always be grateful for these special memories! |
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