MISERICORDIA
Dear Friends, It brings us great joy to be together with you tonight. Dennis and I are so very grateful. We are extremely honored to be chosen as recipients of the 2025 Heart of Gold Award. Having worked with the League since its inception in 1996, I know many of you who have received this prestigious award, and we are truly humbled to be included in this very special group of past recipients. We would like to sincerely thank the amazing leadership team: League President Stephanie Clark; her Benefit Chairs Tina Dillon, Kelly Coyne and Irene Costello; the fabulous Benefit Committee members; and our dynamic Development team, for their generosity of time and talent and for the dedication it takes to bring together an evening this special. More than 50 years ago, a magical woman opened up a world to me that would alter the course of my life. Sister Rosemary Connelly shared her vision for Misericordia, invited me into her faith-filled mission, and introduced me to colleagues who have become lifelong friends. She became my mentor and my very dear friend. She has celebrated my life’s joys and guided me through some tough challenges. Sister Rosemary taught me how to make a difference. She introduced me to a life of beauty and purpose. She enabled me to become a nurse. I fell in love with the children and adults of Misericordia Home, and my life was enriched beyond measure. When I met Dennis Gates, he embraced me and all that I loved with open arms. He added a whole other dimension of beauty and purpose, which included our son David and the incredible Gates children, along with many friends and colleagues that welcomed me with friendship and love. Dennis had an incredible life as an orthopedic surgeon serving Rush, Mercy, Holy Cross and McNeal Hospitals. He also volunteered for countless medical missions and invited me to join him. Dennis taught me how to make a difference, as we traveled as a medical team around the world. How blessed I am to have been able to share my life with these amazing human beings! How blessed I am to have been the recipient of this kind of love. It seems strange to be receiving an honor for a life’s work that has been a privilege. Meeting Sister Rosemary Connelly, living life with Misericordia’s children and adults, and being a part of Misericordia’s mission is life changing! Watching Misericordia grow and thrive into a beautiful 37-acre campus offering a full continuum of care inspired us to do more. Being able to work, learn, grow and nurture friendships year after year with so many dedicated, caring and compassionate colleagues has been an amazing gift. Dennis and I count a great number of individuals in the Misericordia Family as very special friends. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our three families: the Misericordia Family, the Gates Family – our children and grandchildren - and the Catinella Family, my first family of loving nieces and nephews. We are overwhelmed that you are all here supporting us tonight. Thank you for your loving presence and for walking this journey with us both. Please know even though I am soon to retire I will not be a stranger. I will be remaining on the Foundation Board and plan to volunteer as a fundraising consultant. Dennis and I will be very present in boldly sharing Misericordia’s mission. We invite everyone in this room to join us to be MISERICORDIASTRONG! With grateful hearts, Lo and Dennis Lois Gates Executive Director Misericordia Foundation
MISERICORDIA WOMEN’S LEAGUE
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