The Misericordia Alumni Families
by Barb Quaintance
It’s a group no one wants to become a member of. But it’s a group that is a very important part of the Misericordia community–and is very meaningful to its members. The Misericordia Alumni Families (MAF) is a group of parents, guardians and siblings whose Misericordia loved one has passed away. (You’ll see them listed in the Misericordia directory with a heart next to their names.) Formed in 2014 by four families–the Tesmers (who lost Julie), the Scouffas’ (who lost Mary), the Hoynes (who lost Jeff) and the Gibbs (who lost Bryan)–the goals of the MAF are:
- To give Misericordia our support in helping our special home continue to provide excellent, quality care to those in need
- To help our members retain friendships formed over the years, as well as make new friends, who are equally committed to Misericordia.
Sister Rosemary was the one who first suggested the term ‘alumni’ for the group, since she calls the residents who pass ‘graduates’ of Misericordia. The name resonated with the founders and the Misericordia Alumni Families was born.
When a family loses a resident, the MAF contacts them to offer their sympathies but also to inquire if and how the family would like to be involved with Misericordia going forward. Some do not want to stay involved, but many others choose to stay connected; e.g. continue to receive MisBiz and emails from Misericordia leadership or participate in Candy Days.. Still others–families of about 70 residents who have passed–become more active members of the MAF.
The Misericordia Alumni Families support Misericordia in a number of ways. They are involved in planning the memorial mass, which remembers those Misericordia residents who have passed away. They staff funeral mass luncheons and work together in the Bakery during the holidays. They have also supported the Benefit by organizing the photo booth. (The idea of creating memories through the photo booth seems particularly appropriate for the MAF since they keep memories of their loved ones alive.) And they get together several times a year to socialize and remember their loved ones.
Besides the volunteer activities done as a group, families also volunteer on their own. Many continue to volunteer in the bakery, for staff appreciation days, Sunday brunches, Family Fest, the Benefit and during the Christmas season. Not only does the volunteering help alumni families stay connected to Misericordia and the friends made over many years, but Misericordia values its connection to the alumni community.
When I asked the Tesmers if it’s hard to be involved in Misericordia when Julie is no longer there, they said no. What would have been harder, they said, would be to have lost Julie and all the wonderful connections and friends they had at Misericordia. Asked the same question, Sherry Scouffas also said no and added: “Where else would you find so much love?”
The gratitude for Misericordia that the Tesmers and Scouffas’ feel is palpable and a big part of what the Misericordia Alumni Families is all about. The larger Misericordia community is so very lucky to count the MAF as part of our extended family.
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