Women Making History
CEC Women Making History
The hard-working women of Catholic Eldercare give of themselves for the health and well-being of our residents. They have become a part of our history by living our mission and going above and beyond to serve and bring joy to our tenants and residents. Some also work hard to forge a path on roads less traveled.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we would like to introduce you to two women, one from our past and one from the present. These women have moved forward with passion and without fear to accomplish great things in uncharted territory.
Sr. Ruth Roland – CEC Founder
40 years ago, Sr. Ruth Roland entered our history book as one of the founders of Catholic Eldercare. She was a Sinsinawa Dominican nun and graduate of St. Anthony of Padua High School. Sr. Ruth was appointed by Archbishop John Roach to work alongside Al Hofstede, Tom Glodeck, and Bob Hannah to build a nursing home in Northeast Minneapolis. Her expertise in long term care and ability to get things done were priceless, and her steadfast faith led the way to the creation of Catholic Eldercare.
From securing permits to securing donations of time, money, and supplies that made it possible to open our doors, Sr. Ruth got things done. And she made it possible for her co-founders to keep their day jobs amid their many other responsibilities.
After 72 years as a Dominican sister and decades of service to Catholic Eldercare, Sr. Ruth died on Oct. 12, 2013, at the Sinsinawa Dominican Motherhouse in Sinsinawa, WI. At the time of her passing, she had cared for the elderly for 37 years. Sr. Ruth is remembered as a champion in our founding, and a great teacher in caring for the whole person, medically, spiritually, and emotionally. Her practices and commitment to exceptional care continue to be a guiding light for CEC staff. We will always be grateful to Sr. Ruth.
Debra J. Stone - 2023 Jerome Hill Artist Fellow in Literature
The Jerome Foundation has chosen Wyndris resident, Debra J. Stone, as a 2023 Jerome Hill Artist Fellow in Literature. Debra is a writer of essays, poetry, and fiction. Her work has been published in Jarnal Literary Journal, Brooklyn Review, Under the Gum Tree, Random Sample Review, Green Mountains Review (GMR), About Place Journal, Saint Paul Almanac, and forthcoming in other literary journals. She has received residencies at the Vermont Studio Center, Callaloo, The Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, New York Mills Arts Residency, and is a Kimbilio Fellow. Sundress Publishers nominated her essay, “Grandma Essie’s Vanilla Poundcake,” Best of the Net,” in 2019 and in 2021 her short fiction, “year-of- staying–in place,” was Best of Net and Pushcart nominated.
The Jerome Foundation honors the legacy of Jerome Hill through multi-year grants to support the creation, development, and presentation of new works by early career artists. Their grantmaking is centered around intersectional racial equity, committing to eliminating disparities and improving access and outcomes to ensure the long-term viability of artists, culture bearers and arts organizations in Minnesota and New York City, focusing on those whose cultural narratives and practices have been historically and presently excluded.
What does Debra plan to do with her grant?
“I will research the migration of my family and travel to the Black towns of Missouri, Oklahoma and the town my ancestors founded when they were Exodusters and ranchers during the Nebraska territory. Currently, I am working on The House on Rondo, a novel-in-progress. As this is a new project, I am developing new skills through workshops, mentors, and other tools to complete a finished draft. I am interested in my work joining in the dialogue regarding reparations for the descendants of the destroyed Rondo neighborhood and the ancestors whose generational wealth was stolen from them.”
Congratulations to Debra J. Stone, one of our own who is making history in literature as a poet, and writer of essays and fiction!