The history of the OSF St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary began Feb. 2, 1955, when a group of 48 women met with the intent of organizing an auxiliary for the hospital.

Mrs. George Bartley presided and introduced Sister M. Borromea Suplicka, then Sister Superior. Sister Borromea explained the need for an auxiliary and told of the work done by other auxiliaries with which she had been associated. Following these talks, the group expressed a desire to organize. Meeting dates were set for the first Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. at the hospital. A nominating committee was appointed and a tour of the hospital followed. The meeting was then adjourned.

The first officers were elected March 2, 1955. Marina Chapekis was the first president and is still a member today. Dues were $1.00 per year. By-laws were provided by the American Hospital Association. In December 1960, volunteers took over running and staffing the hospital gift shop, which now raises approximately $30,000 each year for new patient equipment.

The Auxiliary has grown over the years, with more than 140 members to date. Members marked their 40th anniversary in 1995 with a special cookbook called “40 Years and Still Cooking,” and featuring homemade recipes from past and current members. In 2005, the Auxiliary celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking the occasion with a 2006 calendar featuring vintage and vintage-looking photos featuring Auxiliary members from the past and present. They also hosted the Upper Peninsula District of Healthcare Advocates fall meeting in September 2005; theme was “Laughter is the Best Medicine.”

The group continues to meet the first Wednesday of each month, though meetings now begin at 1:00 p.m. Officers are:

Shirley White, President
Lilyan Sauve, Vice President
Judy Wegert, Secretary
Phyllis Haglund, Treasurer
Ar Johnson, Member at Large
Dorothy Zeno, Member at Large
Ruth Wagner, Counselor