ALLEGANY, N.Y. – Francis Medals were presented to two couples at this year’s Bonafest on July 8.
Bernie and Ann Scanlon
Bernie and Ann are long-time members of St. Bonaventure Parish, as well as next-door neighbors to the church. They are the tireless workers who make sure the little details that keep the parish running are completed. These include counting the collection, straightening up the church after each Mass, locking the church, and editing and publishing the parish bulletin.
“The only thing that ever gets in the way of their focus on church activities,” writes Richard Husted, “is Bonaventure basketball.”
He went on to say, “We publicly thank them for their dedication and their faithful service to this parish.”
Richard and Kathleen Vossler
Richard and Kathleen were married at St. Bonaventure Church on Aug. 25, 1943. They are the parents of nine children and have 25 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. They have been active members of St. Bonaventure Parish their whole lives.
Dick was involved with the Holy Name Society, parish council, finance committee and served as extraordinary minister of the Eucharist. Neen was active in the parish school, Bishop’s Committee for Home and Family, and was a founding member of “The Marthas,” a group which handled hospitality and bereavements, which she chaired for many years. She was also an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, a lector and member of Cornerstone, a women’s faith-sharing group.
Perhaps their most remembered involvement was for the beautiful floral arrangements from their own garden and their devotion to the flowers around the church grounds.
“Faith has always played a large part of their lives,” writes Richard. “Their love for their parish has been as evident as their love for their family and one another, and had provided the parish community with a powerful witness of faithfulness. We thank them for their willingness to always lend a hand and donate their time and efforts.”
Richard and Kathleen had previously been affiliated to Holy Name Province on Oct. 4, 1991.