Last of sisters nears retirement

When Sister Dorothy Copson, DC, closes her office door at St. Catherine's Center for Children in Albany for the final time this month, she will end 32 years of personal service and 121 years of commitment by the Daughters of Charity to the agency.

Founded by the religious order in 1886 as a home for orphans, St. Catherine's has become one of the leading providers of human services for families and children in the Capital Region.

Sister Dorothy, who is retiring, is the last member of her order to work there.

Lifetime commitment

Sister Dorothy, a Daughter of Charity for 62 years, said her whole life has been devoted to caring for children.

"I'm from a large family, four brothers and three younger sisters, so I was always taking care of someone," she told The Evangelist.

In high school, she got involved in volunteer work with poor children during the Second World War.

"My desire to devote myself to the care of sick children led me to join the Daughters of Charity in 1945," she said.

Up to Albany

Sister Dorothy, a native of Boston, worked with children at the Astor Home in Rhinebeck for 22 years until she was asked to come to what was then known as St. Catherine's Infant Home.

"I was not sure I'd fit in here," she admitted. "However, I said I'd consider making the trip for an interview. Once I met the children, I could not resist being a part of that program. This was a decision I've never regretted."

In the 32 years Sister Dorothy has been at St. Catherine's, she held a number of positions: director of the day treatment program, coordinator of Chapter I Projects and grant writer. Her final position was administrative assistant and coordinator for the quality assurance program for the nine houses operated by St. Catherine's.

For the kids

Sister Dorothy said that she has worked with "thousands of children. I firmly believe and have lived by the philosophy that every child can be reached or helped. They just need a lot of love, respect, understanding and care.

"I've never been discouraged with a single child. I see each as a gift from God. You might say that a child is like a flower. You can easily mold a child, but we shouldn't do that. We should encourage that child to become who God meant them to be.

"One of the reasons I believe so strongly in St. Catherine's is because the staff works very hard to make sure that each child is given a sense of hope, is loved and respected. I am not saying that each child's journey ends in success; but, even if that does not happen while the child is here, he or she will have hope for their future and know that what they learn here can make a difference in their life."

Growth

During Sister Dorothy's tenure, St. Catherine's has initiated various programs in response to changing social problems, including prevention programs, the new R. & E. May School in Albany, residential and group care for children, therapeutic family services, shelter services for homeless families, respite care for families, and a fetal alcohol syndrome program.

In retirement, Sister Dorothy will live at the DePaul Provincial House in Menands. She plans to immerse herself in her hobbies, which include sewing, needlework, reading, and arts and crafts. Additionally, she has been assigned to work in the chapel, coordinating all liturgies.

"I have no regrets," she said. "It has been a wonderful career because I have always believed in the value of what we are doing. By nature of my vocation, I have always wanted to work with children. What we do here is so meaningful. It is, and has been, the essence of my vocation."

(Says Sister Dorothy: "Hope is what you receive from others. If you carry it forth, it grows, permeates and radiates outward. In today's world, giving hope to our children is an important mission.")

TRIBUTE TO 'ROLE MODEL'

Helen Hayes, executive director of St. Catherine's Center, said that "Sister Dorothy was here when most of our staff arrived. She has been a mentor, advisor, role model and a confidante, supporting us through good times and bad.

"She is the living embodiment of the love and compassion that have been a hallmark of St. Catherine's since the Daughters of Charity founded the agency.

"So it is with mixed emotions that we acknowledge her retirement because while we are pleased to wish her the very best, her absence will leave a void -- in our lives and in the life of the agency." (PP)

(4/19/07) [[In-content Ad]]