Dedicated volunteer named senior of year
For 93-year-old Dorothy Louis, volunteering has been a way of life since she was in high school but it's not something for which she ever sought recognition.
On Thursday, however, Louis was in the spotlight for her generosity as she was named 2006 Crow Wing County Senior of the Year at a ceremony at Mission Township Park.
When asked how she felt about receiving the honor, Louis said she was surprised and a little embarrassed.
Dorothy
Louis
"That's not why we do it," she said. "It's makes you feel good that you can do something that can help somebody."
Louis is a volunteer at St. Joseph's Medical Center and at Woodland Good Samaritan Village, both in Brainerd. At the hospital she is a surgery volunteer, giving comfort and support to families of patients. At Woodland Good Samaritan Village, she does just about everything, said Sheila York, president of the Woodland Auxiliary and the person who nominated Louis.
Louis also serves as an Abider volunteer, sitting with dying residents, who are alone, in their final hours.
"She does everything for everyone," York said. "She deserves (Senior of the Year). After 80 years of volunteering, she deserves it.
"She's amazing. That's the best word for her. ... She lives life to the fullest."
Louis was one of five nominees for Crow Wing County Senior of the Year. The others were Illa Bogucki, who volunteers at St. Joseph's Medical Center; Loretta Franz, who volunteers at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby; Goldie Fristedt, who volunteers for Lutheran Social Services, St. Joseph's Medical Center and Paul Bunyan Arboretum; and Laverne Nickels, who volunteers at St. Joseph's Medical Center, St. Andrew's Guild and the VFW.
Dorothy Louis
Age: 93.
Advice to the younger generation: "Don't get old unless you have a sense of humor."
Advice she heeded when she was younger: "I don't suppose I listened to advice when I was younger."
On being nominated for senior of the year: Sheila York (president of the Woodland Good Samaritan Village Auxiliary) told me she nominated me and I told her she owed me her life," the humble Louis said with a laugh. "She's going to pay forever."
Her payback to York: "I'm pondering it," Louis said between a laugh and a wry smile.
Mike Koechler, director of RSVP volunteer services, said while there were five good candidates for Crow Wing County Senior of the Year there are hundreds of people donating their time every day.
"For every day you march forward, volunteer, help people and serve, we want you to know how much you're appreciated," Koechler said.
In addition to the ceremony, Thursday's event featured live music and dancing and lunch. Casey Stengel, the 2005 Crow Wing County Senior of the Year, presented Louis with the Governor's Award as this year's honoree. Al Doty, with Horizon Health and Minnesota Senior Federation, also gave Louis a plaque on behalf of the Crow Wing County Council on Aging. Several past Crow Wing County Senior of the Year honorees also were present at Thursday's ceremony.
Louis again will be honored at 11:45 a.m. on Aug. 2 at the Crow Wing County Fair. She will represent the county at the Minnesota State Fair.
MATT ERICKSON can be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.