Truly blessed: Thelma Bourbonnais named 2013 Volunteer of the Year

By Brenna Wiegand

Thelma Bourbonnais, known for her generous volunteer hours and “a smile that makes everyone’s day just a little better,” has been named Mount Angel’s 2013 Volunteer of the Year.

“She’s just a sweetheart – a lot of fun,” said close friend Barbara Bochsler. “There are a bunch of us that go to Mass every morning and then for coffee. People come by and we just laugh a lot and have a good time.”

They “spread the business around”– bakery Monday and Tuesdays; coffee at church on Wednesdays; Leona’s Thursdays and Fridays.

“We have a table full of people; it’s a great way to start the day,” Bochsler said.

At 86, Bourbonnais is a 50-year member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas and in 2007 was Catholic Daughter of the Year.

“She’s been in the quilting circle once a week for years, helps with bake sales, funeral luncheons and seminary cookie days – just all kinds of things,” said Margaret Teem. “She poo-poos the fact that she’s helpful; ‘I just do it’ she says.”

“There are lots of volunteers at our church,” Thelma Bourbonnais said. “There are lots of opportunities to volunteer there.”

“She’s a quiet little woman who just keeps going,” Nann Fleck said.

Her current favorite is probably calling Bingo every week for the residents at Providence Benedictine Nursing Center’s Orchard House. “There’s nothing to it; you just call numbers,” Bourbonnais said. “They’re very dear people and they’re so appreciative and really enjoy it.”

“She’ll bring them little treats sometimes – a Hershey’s Kiss for Valentine’s Day,” said Cindy Thomas, nursing home volunteer coordinator. “She’s such a nice lady – very, very kind, thoughtful, and loyal.

“In my early time here, I saw her around, so I looked up her application and it was a 10-year commitment she made.”

Bourbonnais staffs the Mount Angel senior center’s consignment shop where both members and the center benefit from selling handmade crafts and provides transportation for medical appointments or errands.

“It’s such a little bit that I do that I certainly do not feel comfortable with this award because I haven’t really done that much – been doing it for a lot of years maybe,” Bourbonnais said. “It is part of my life. I probably get more out of it than I put into it because I enjoy it and I enjoy the people – at least I don’t sit home all day and feel sorry for myself.

“The years begin to catch up with you and you slow down a little more but you try to keep going,” Bourbonnais said. “I’m very blessed I’m still able to do that and that I can still drive. I feel truly blessed.

“I have been blessed most of my life,” she added.