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Auxiliary members pictured here and those unable to attend were each remembered at a luncheon Jan. 25 at the Olympic Club, Lakeside with a Murano glass cross with commemorative ribbon inscribed “St. Mary’s Auxiliary, 1925-2017.” (Courtesy photo)
February 8, 2018
The Auxiliary of St. Mary’s Medical Center was honored for its 92 years of faithful service and fundraising at a luncheon at the Olympic Club, Lakeside, Jan. 25. The auxiliary disbanded Dec. 31 because of a decline in membership.
“Since its inception in 1925, the group has raised millions of dollars toward support of the medical center,” said Pamela Lindemoen, former hospital president, in a letter explaining the auxiliary’s end.
“The members have unselfishly given many hours of volunteer service in a common spirit of helpfulness and concern for humankind.”
The group’s generosity was in place up until the final day: “I presented a check to John Allen (hospital president) in the amount of $60,151.92 as the auxiliary’s final donation,” said auxiliary president, Arlene Fife. “This money will fund the remodeling of the emergency department waiting room to enable the medical and security staff good vision to make the room secure, comfortable and safe for all physically and emotionally distressed patients and their families.” There were 80 members left in the auxiliary at the time of the luncheon. Fife said. “It was bittersweet day. A joy to celebrate all the achievements of the auxiliary but sad that the auxiliary will be no more.” A plaque in the hospital lobby proclaiming the auxiliary’s good work will hang into the future.