Letter to the Editor

  • November 24, 2010
  • 336
                        
The legacy of Red Cross sisterhood has sadly come to a conclusion this past week. Longtime former Red Cross Director Lois Gordon passed away peacefully at the golden age of 83. Lois, of New Philadelphia, proudly served our local Red Cross of Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas counties for more than 50 years. She, along with fellow Red Cross Director Carol Cunningham, who served prior to Lois, molded our Red Cross into what it is today. Together, they had over 100 combined years of dedication to helping others right here in our local neighborhoods. Carol recently passed away after celebrating her 100th birthday. These two resilient women were true sisters of kindness and determination in a family encompassing the entire community. They touched the lives of thousands of adults, children, military personnel and disaster victims during those years. From first aid, CPR and swim lessons to home fires and emergency military messages, Lois and Carol made a difference with the assistance of committed volunteers and supporters. The two gave back to our community and positioned the Red Cross as a strong agency partner that is there in times of need. Specifically, Lois, in her 50-plus years of involvement, started as a volunteer driver and promptly became a CPR and first aid instructor. Later, she became a board member and then served as the executive director. In 1997, she retired but continued to volunteer for the chapter. Today, we have a hole in our Red Cross family and more than a century of Red Cross service has come to an end. But a new legacy chapter has already begun with the memory and inspiration of two astonishing ladies. This Red Cross sisterhood will carry on in each individual they reached out to—including me. We honor them and their families and say thank you for being a light in the darkness of need. Chad Conrad, Executive Director American Red Cross Muskingum Lakes Chapter


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