Page 23 - BusinessWest October 31, 2022

doggedly, for what she thought was right and just and needed at the time, whether it was a cancer-treatment facility at Mercy Hospital, fairer Medicare reimbursement rates, or, yes, a solution to the odor problems at Bondi’s Island.
As one might expect with someone who started working professionally
in the mid-’40s, talk of her accomplishments obviously involves the past tense. But she remains a Woman of Impact for the way she counsels, mentors, and inspires others, especially women, in leadership roles today. She didn’t officially coin the phrase ‘no margin, no mission,’ but many area nonprofit managers will attribute those words to her as they strive to live by them.
Meanwhile, her life and career has been marked by being thrust into a series of new and daunting challenges, many of which she considered herself quite unprepared for. She’s proven
“Every day is
a present, and if
I haven’t learned something new in a day, then it wasn’t a good day.”
that, with hard work, energy, and a focus on the best outcome for all, one can thrive despite adversity.
“Every role I’ve had, despite the challenges, was the happiest time of my life,” she told BusinessWest, adding that she made the most of every situation and turned them all into invaluable learning experiences. “Every day is
a present, and if I haven’t learned something new in a day, then it wasn’t a good day.”
Energy. Yes, Sister Caritas still has large amounts of that commodity. She doesn’t play golf as much as she used to, not because she has slowed down, but because most of those she played with over the years have slowed down. She drives, and she sets a good pace when walking the halls of Providence Place.
She doesn’t have the same level of energy she did 40 years ago or when she was a nursing student, but she’s still very much involved — and clearly a Woman of Impact.
Small Wonder
Those who know Sister Caritas, who came to be known as ‘little sister’ to some because of her small stature, would say it’s not what she does — whether it’s in healthcare, the community, or with the Sisters of Providence — that makes her a true leader, still, at age 99.
Rather, it’s how she goes about ... well, whatever it is she is doing. One hears the word ‘determined’ early and quite often when people describe her, and that word fits. So does ‘relentless.’ And ‘unstoppable’ works as well.
Those adjectives certainly apply
to her lengthy battle to win approval from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for a cobalt unit for cancer treatment at Mercy Hospital. She first filed an application in 1978, and it was denied. Applications could only be filed biannually, so she tried again in 1980. And in 1982. And in 1984. And in 1986 ... you get the picture.
“There was nothing wrong with the
Sister Mary Caritas, seen here when she was president
of Mercy Hospital, has been
a leader
in the community and an inspiration to generations of area decision makers.
Mercy Medical Center CONGRATULATES the 2022 Women of Impact
for their commitment to our community.
We are especially proud to congratulate
our own Woman of Impact winner,
Sister Mary Caritas, SP for her contributions to our ministry and her dedication to our Mission!
Women of
Women of IMPACT IMPACTA PROGRAM OF BUSINESSWEST
TrinityHealthOfNE.org
A PROGRAM OF BUSINESSWEST
Women of
Women of IMPACT IMPACT A PROGRAM OF BUSINESSWEST
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WOMEN