The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, Inc. has prospered for 125 years due to the dedication of its membership to the motto of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. Our mission is fulfilled by the leadership of sisters who inspire and encourage the membership to follow their examples. We would to introduce you a member who lives the motto and mission of our great Order.
Our sister has been a member of the LAOH since 1991 which is also the charter year for her Division. From the start, she has been an active member and asset to her Division, County and State Organizations. She has held the following offices: Division Historian (1991) and President (1993-1995 and 2010-2020); County Board Office of Missions and Charities (1994 – 1999), Office of Catholic Action (1999), Treasurer (1999 – 2001 and 2016-2019), Secretary (2019 – present), Vice President (2001-2005) and President (2005-2009); As a State Board appointee, she was the Communications Chair (2009-2011 and 2017-2019) and Freedom For All Ireland chair (2009-2011). She has tirelessly stepped up to service her sisters when needed, as shown by her return to Division and County Offices that she had previously held in prior years.
In addition to elected offices held, she has also served on various committees at the Division and County level such as fundraising and by-laws. She has served as her Division/County Board as a delegate to State and National conventions. While attending conventions, she has served on various committees including multiple times on the National Ritual Revision Committee.
She also helps our members to reaffirm their dedication to our Order as a member of the local Degree Team since 1995. She has represented her Degree Team at National Conventions.
Another way that she has worked to foster the work of our Order is her is work on various convention committees. She chaired the welcome package committee when our County hosted the National AOH/LAOH convention. She served as the co-chair of state convention in 2009 and as the co-chair of the ice breaker committee for our state convention in 2013.
She has helped our membership to maintain their dedication to the Catholic Church and Faith by organizing masses in honor of Saint Brigid and Our Lady of Knock, and spiritual retreats.
Her dedication to the LAOH has been recognized by her Division who honored her as Hibernian of the Year in 2000. Also, her talents were recognized by the National Board when she was chosen to participate in the 125th Anniversary celebration presentation.
She fosters friendship between the AOH and LAOH by representing her Division and the County Board at many social functions and fundraisers, working hand in hand with her AOH brothers.
She has represented the LAOH as a volunteer with other Irish organizations as a member of the Irish American Unity Conference and as chair of the awards committee for our Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee since 1995. She was instrumental in the successful commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Easter Rising, serving as committee secretary and chair of the kick-off event.
Since her initiation into our great Order, our sister has generously given of her time and talents to carry out our motto of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. It is with great honor that we nominate our sister for Life Membership and thank you for your consideration.
Patti’s Thank You:
I am so honored to be awarded a Lifetime Membership in the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. I didn’t grow up with the LAOH. In fact, I am an Irish American who celebrated her “Irish-ness” once a year. Then, in 1991, all that changed. My life had taken an unexpected turn and I was looking for “something new.” There was a new LAOH division forming in Carnegie, PA – Maud Gonne Division 32. I didn’t know much about the LAOH, but I had made friends with people that were forming the division, so I joined. I can honestly say that was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only have I learned about my Irish history and heritage, but I have made friends for life. I grew up with 3 brothers, but now I have hundreds of Sisters and Brothers from all walks of life. I hesitate to start naming them because I know I will miss someone. Let me just say … you know who you are.
Thank you to the National Board for selecting me as a Lifetime Member, but a huge thank you to everyone that had a part of my being here today. I may not have been blessed by a blood sister, but I have been blessed with having so many Hibernian Sisters. I love each of you! ☘ 💚☘ 💚
