Celebrating the contributions of Providence Associate Marilyn Neuman (and her husband Chuck)

From the very first meeting of the Providence Associates Advisory Board in 2005, before the Providence Associate relationship was officially established, Marilyn Neuman was there.

Marilyn has deep connections with the Sisters of Providence, from being educated by them, to having been a member herself for many years to staying connected by organizing gatherings of current and former Sisters of Providence.

Founding Providence Associate director Sister Mary Alice Zander (RIP) invited Marilyn and others to join the board and help set the direction for the new relationship being established.

“It didn’t take long for Marilyn to emerge as one of the leaders. She would immediately volunteer no matter what the task would be,” Sister Diane Mason recalls. Sister Diane is the current director of the Providence Associates.

Marilyn became a Providence Associate the first opportunity she had. She was among the first group to make commitments as Associates of the Sisters of Providence in 2007.

“Upon the sickness and then death of Sister Mary Alice in 2011, Marilyn immediately volunteered to help me,” said Sister Diane, who had previously been assistant director.

“The Providence Associate movement was growing very quickly, and Marilyn and her husband Chuck helped me keep my head above water. They would drive down from their home in Arlington Heights, Ill., for the new candidate orientations. Marilyn would help organize and execute the various responsibilities required for everything to run smoothly. Chuck would help taking pictures at the orientations or at the first commitments,” Sister Diane said.

Marilyn has helped to organize the Providence Associate’s annual meetings since they began in 2010.

“The organization behind the scenes is huge, but she never stopped pushing forward. She assembled the volunteers and prepared the folders with necessary information. Chuck was working behind the scenes as well, setting up the necessary technology equipment and videotaping the meetings,” Sister Diane said.

“Marilyn has the passion and desire and belief in the Providence Associates. We have grown greatly since our first meeting in November 2005.”

On April 5, 2014, the Providence Associate Advisory Board celebrated Marilyn and Chuck as Marilyn participated in her last official meeting on the board. The couple’s endless volunteer hours and valuable contribution were recognized. Marilyn became the last of the original advisory board members to rotate off the board.

“For all that you did – we sincerely thank you for your interest, your desire and your passion. We are not saying good-bye – simply thank you for what has been. We look forward to your further involvement at gatherings and to your continuing contributions in moving the Association forward,” Sister Diane said.