Congregational President Sister Sharon Bailey received the St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing Alumna of the Year! Sister Sharon was given the award on Saturday, May 6 during her 50th class reunion at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elmira. She was nominated for the honor by friend and fellow classmate Margaret Briody.
“This Alumna is a true representative of both the spirit of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing and the profession of nursing,” said Margaret in her nomination letter.
After graduating in 1967, Sister Sharon worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital for two years, first as a staff nurse in pediatrics and then in surgical nursing. She then went on to earn her BS in nursing at the University of Rochester, followed by her Masters from Boston University. She also spent time in Santa Fe, New Mexico studying massage and polarity therapy. Following her time in Santa Fe, Sister Sharon spent six years working as a massage and polarity therapist at the SSJ Motherhouse and St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center.
During the summer of 1981, Sister Sharon contributed to the care of patients at Good Samaritan Hospital in Selma, Alabama. She also co-established the Corpus Christi Neighborhood Health Center in Rochester, providing nursing care and directing the clinic for 10 years. Along the way, she also provided care and guidance to migrant workers from the fruit farms at the Perkinsville Center near Rochester.
“Sharon has been a wonderful example of living life for others and of giving one’s life for others,” said Margaret. “She has tirelessly pursued the spirit of nursing whether working in the hospital, the clinic, the Congregation or the neighborhood. She has exemplified the spirit of Christ in her loving, supportive ways and in her active listening and generous behaviors.”