Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Sheila Donis!
Born in Chicago, Providence Associate Sheila Donis was educated by the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.
During her eighth-grade year, Sheila had Sister Mary Lee Mettler, SP (RIP) in class and she has never forgotten the experience.
“Sister Mary Lee encouraged my artistic abilities,” Sheila commented. “I remembered that through the years.”
Sheila was, at one time, a Sister of Providence. But after several years of being away from the Congregation, Providence brought her back to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 2009 when she became a Providence Associate.
Since then, she has volunteered her time with the Congregation in various artistic capacities, including card-making and the creation of memory books.
Memory books include photos and remembrances of a person’s family, including past and present dialogue with the photos.
“It feels good to be kind and helpful,” Sheila said. “We have fun and I’m fulfilling a need for the Sisters and others. It’s all about the relationships you create with the people.”
At least twice a month, Sheila drives from her home in Greene County to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for the card-making sessions. She provides the materials and the cards while those who participate cn actually create the card and write their own messages within the cards.
“The card kits are kind of specific for the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Sheila said. “I provide the kits and the sisters make the cards. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, I made cards for the sisters.”
During the memory book sessions, Sheila asks those who want to create the books bring family photos which she electronically scans for use within the books. She also prints out the words that go with each photo which are then placed on the pages of the books. Many of the sisters who create the books with Sheila either provide them to their family or send them to the Congregation’s Archives Department.
Sisters of Providence Volunteer Director Sister Rebecca Keller, SP said Sheila’s artistic contributions are greatly appreciated during several events that take place at the Woods, including Christmas Fun at the Woods and more.
“Sheila is one of our most creative volunteers,” Sister Rebecca said. “Over the years, she has facilitated all kinds of projects for every age group, children through the elderly. She generously donates the supplies for these projects.
“Her activities are always well attended and her enthusiasm is a contributing factor to the popularity of her projects and time with us!”
The Sisters of Providence offer many volunteer opportunities where you can make a difference, learn new skills and feel your presence is valued.
For more information about volunteer with the Sisters of Providence, contact Sister Rebecca at rkeller@spsmw.org or call 812-535-2878.
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This recognition of Sheila is so well deserved. She is so generous with her time and certainly with her gifts. Especially when card making, she supplies materials and so much time and energy always with a smile. Sheila has also been generous toward the Providence Associates. Many PA meetings have included decorative prayer sheets, booklets, and incredible room decorations.
Good job, Jason. Sheila richly deserved this recognition.
Sheila’s heart is with the Sisters at St. Mary-of-the Woods and her gift of art that she shares with them is wonderful!
I LOVED reading about Sheila! Truly, she is a very kind, warm-hearted person who greets each of us with a hug when we enter the room either for a card-making session or for any other activity. Sheila’s materials are beautiful, have a lovely message and reflect her happy heart.
Her presence is a blessing, welcoming all as she invites each person to become a part of whatever activity or project that is going on.
Blessings, Sheila!
Sheila has been a treasure to me for almost 60 years, and I can add to this testimony that she is a prize, a gem, a precious gift to all. Her enthusiasm and attitude is cheerful – being with her there is no resisting a smile and a laugh. She is God’s presence indeed!
I have known Sheila since high school in the Aspirancy and she deserves this recognition now as she did then. Her enthusiasm is contagious and brings out the best in everyone! The fact that she is so generous with her time now is not surprising…..she has a happy heart which she gladly shares. Thank you, Sheila!!!
I have treasured the times I could share Sheila’s card making experiences. She is truly a great gift to our Providence Community.
Thank you, Sheila!
Always, Sheila shares her joy with whomever she meets. Just seeing her makes my heart happier. Thank you for being completely you, dear Sheila.
Sheila is generous, creative, and hard working. And most of all, the loving spirit that lives within Sheila is a blessing to all she knows. I am so fortunate to call her friend.