(l-r, back row) Barbara Kleeman, Lorraine Laumeyer, Loretta Palembas, June Feeney, Laure Smarz, Judy Ellis, Trish Scarnati, (l-r, middle row) Diana Bortolin, Alice Watson, Anges Dallman, Diane Chamberland, Lyn Hammel, Janet Chapman, Phyllis Sutton, (l-r, front row) JoAn Balestracci, Dorothy Szestowicki, JoAnn Correia, Maria Silveira, Theresa Cleary, Kathy Graham and Rosanne Noel, celebrated the Mystic St. Mary Frances Circle of the Daughters of Isabella’s 60th Anniversary on June 7.
The St. Mary Frances Circle of the Daughters of Isabella in Mystic celebrated its 60th anniversary as a charitable, Catholic, women’s organization on June 7.
This Circle received its charter in December of 1948. Since that time, the members of St. Mary Frances Circle volunteered countless hours of community and church service. In addition, the members organized many fundraisers that benefited needy causes both locally and afar.
The Daughters held an annual Christmas bazaar for many years that was well known for their beautiful handmade crafts as well delicious baked goods. When the Norwich Hospital was operational, the Daughters baked homemade cakes and delivered them to the residents so they could enjoy birthday celebrations.
Over the years, the Daughters have donated to Hospice, CareNet, Haiti, the Mystic Noank Library, Hurricane Katrina victims, the VFW and American Legion, and many, many other worthwhile individuals and groups.
The Daughters of Isabella is an international women’s organization based in New Haven. Their motto is “Unity, Friendship and Charity.” The St. Mary Frances Circle holds its monthly meetings at St. Patrick Church, Mystic, and invites new members from any of the surrounding parishes.
