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Member's organ donation enriches lives of others

Just before Christmas, the FSPA experienced the tragic loss of one of their members, Sister Joleen Van Dyke. Sister Joleen, in active ministry as liturgist at St. Joseph Parish in Kellnersville, Wis., was asleep in a second-floor room of the rectory when a fire started in the first floor living room. Parish director, Sister Marlene Greatens, of A New Genesis Community, was also in the rectory.

Both women died as result of the fire. The 350-member parish was left with no parish coordinators since all activities were driven by the two sisters.

When Sister Joleen Van Dyke passed away on Dec. 23, a part of her continued to live on, giving hope and life to families she probably never knew. While her tragic death is difficult to understand, Sister Joleen gave a lasting gift by leaving a “legacy of life” through organ donation.

Through the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Organ Procurement Organization, Sister Joleen was able to greatly improve the quality of life for two patients in the end stages of kidney failure. One kidney was transplanted into a patient in Indiana who had been on the transplant waiting list since September of 2004, and on dialysis since February. The second patient, from Wisconsin, had been on the waiting list since May of 2004.

A certificate signed by Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle was presented to Sister Joleen’s family. It recognized her gift, and the loss felt by her family, friends and neighbors, “They can take comfort in knowing that through her compassion and concern she will hold forever a special place in the hearts of other individuals and their families and friends.”

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