Western Kentucky Associates bring gifts and smiles to the Sisters in Saint Joseph Villa

The Western Kentucky Ursuline Associates returned to Saint Joseph Villa on Dec. 2, 2023, bringing treats to celebrate Saint Nicholas day with the Ursuline Sisters. It was the 10th year for this event, which was interrupted only by the Covid pandemic in 2020.

The Western Kentucky Associates – Risë Karr and Betty Boren of Hopkinsville, Mike Sullivan and Lois Bell of Paducah, and John and Elaine Wood of LaCenter – plan all year for their celebration with the Sisters. This year they were joined by Associate Phyllis Troutman, who lives in the central Kentucky town of Raywick but has long been considered an “honorary” Western Kentucky Associate. Associate Sid Mason of Mayfield could not attend this year.

The Associates visited the Sisters in their rooms at the Villa, bringing each Sister a poinsettia, a box of issues and a gift bag that included cookies, candy, a crossword puzzle, a paper weight, an ornament and popcorn. Here are pictures from the day.

There are always new duties to being Santa’s wife. Here Mrs. Claus (Associate Elaine Wood) and Associate Betty Boren help Santa with his mask before entering Saint Joseph Villa.
Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger, left, talks with Associate Lois Bell before wheeling the cart full of goodies down the hall. Sister Cecelia Joseph hosts the Associates in the Guest House.
Associate Phyllis Troutman, seated, and her travel companion, Judy Bickett of Raywick, Ky., talk with Sister Mary Matthias Ward before the festivities began.
Associate Mike Sullivan pushed the poinsettia cart to each Sisters’ room.
Sister Luisa Bickett smiles for Santa after he delivers her presents. Once again, Associate John Wood was nowhere to be found when Santa was present.
The Associate caravan is an imposing presence in the hallway of the Villa. From left are Lois Bell, Betty Boren, Risë Karr, Mike Sullivan, John and Elaine Wood. Associate Phyllis Troutman is out of view, pushed in her wheelchair by Judy Bickett.
Sister Eva Boone smiles as she receives instructions on caring for her poinsettia from Mrs. Claus.
Sister Paul Marie Greenwell is all smiles as she receives her bag of treats from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sister Grace Simpson sang “Here Comes Santa Claus” the whole time Santa was walking toward her with her gift. She was visiting with Sister Mimi Ballard, her cousin.
Sister Pat Rhoten is thrilled with her poinsettia gifted to her by the first couple of the North Pole.
Sister Mary Gerald Payne is excited to receive her poinsettia from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sister Marie Carol Cecil smiles when she sees the box of tissues, in addition to her other presents from the Jolly Ol’ Elf and Mrs. Claus.
Sister Emma Anne Munsterman turns the tables and offers Santa and Mrs. Claus a present of an Ursuline ink pen.
Sister Catherine Kaufman is running out of hands to hold all of her presents from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Sister Marie Joseph Coomes thanks Mrs. Claus for her presents as Santa places her poinsettia on her table.
Sister Francis Louise Johnson, center, was very excited to see Santa, but even happier to see her friend Phyllis Troutman.
Sister Mary Matthias Ward smiles as Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus bring her presents.
Sister Kathleen Dueber smiles as she receives her poinsettia and candy from the Western Kentucky Associates.
Sister Susan Mary Mudd hugs Associate Phyllis Troutman in the hallway. They are both from Marion County, Ky.
Sister Michael Ann Monaghan is excited about her unexpected presents from Santa.
Sister Suzanne Sims, director of Local Community Life at the Mount, talks with Associate Mike Sullivan in the hallway.
Sister Marie Bosco Wathen, the oldest Sister in the community at 99, smiles as Mrs. Claus brings her a poinsettia.
Sister Amelia Stenger laughs after receiving her gifts. Sister Amelia is in the Villa temporarily recuperating from knee surgery.
Sister Sheila Ann Smith couldn’t wait, and decided to meet Santa in the hallway.
Sister Catherine Marie Lauterwasser couldn’t be happier with the present Santa is bringing her.
Sister Rebecca White missed Santa last year, so she made sure to be ready for his visit this time.
Sister Amanda Rose Mahoney is overjoyed to receive her poinsettia from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sister Karla Kaelin, left, served in western Kentucky from 2003-2008 and gathered with the Associates there regularly. She enjoyed the reunion this year.
Sister Ruth Gehres is usually scrambling with her camera to take pictures, but this year she was able to relax and enjoy her gifts from the Associates.
Sister Melissa Tipmore is happy to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. This is her first year in the Villa during Christmastime.
Sister Melissa Tipmore, left, greets Associate Phyllis Troutman. The two were classmates at Mount Saint Joseph Academy, graduating in 1963.
Sister Claudia Hayden is happy to accept her present from the Associates, just before 11 a.m.
Sister Lois Lindle perks up when she sees Santa and Mrs. Claus bearing gifts.
Santa said something funny to get a big laugh out of Sister Susanne Bauer.
Mrs. Claus (Elaine Wood) tells Sister Catherine Barber that she hasn’t changed a bit in the many years since she first met her.

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