New covenant affiliates commissioned

On Feb. 19, 2010, FSPA received two new covenant affiliates—Kelly Gansel and Donna Mayer. Their biological sisters, Sisters Mary Eve and Juanita Hytry, serve together as contacts for both Donna and Kelly. Kelly and Donna offered these reflections on the paths they chose to FSPA affiliation.

Kelly Gansel
“In many ways I feel that I have been part of the FSPA community for most of my life,” says newly confirmed CovenantAffiliate Kelly Gansel. She was one year old when her oldest sister entered St. Rose Convent, and watched as three others took their final vows as well. “I was also taught by FSPA,” she says. Kelly was born in Dancy, Wis., and currently resides in La Crosse, Wis. Her professional and personal history includes graduating from Viterbo College (now Viterbo University) with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, teaching in both Wisconsin and Florida, marrying her husband George, now deceased, and raising their two children, Carrie and George. Kelly is retired, and when she’s not traveling or visiting her grandchildren she serves as a eucharistic minister, a volunteer at Viterbo, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare and St. Rose Convent and now, a partner in prayer to FSPA. “Being an affiliate will help me grow in the Franciscan spirit and values, and will give me the opportunity to share in the life of prayer.”

Donna Mayer
After raising seven children and taking retirement, Donna Mayer sought to make her strong prayer life even more meaningful. Like Kelly, Donna’s family ties to St. Rose and her many visits to the convent and Adoration Chapel since her early childhood made a significant impact on her, and so she turned to the FSPA affiliate
program. “I wanted to follow the example the sisters and affiliates give of tolerance and love for all God created. I have a sense of peace and love when I am with them.” Donna is a certified activity director who worked at nursing homes in Fairchild, Wis. She also has past experience as a eucharistic minister and CCD teacher. Now living in Bangor, Wis., Donna leads the praying of the rosary at Lakeview Health Center in West Salem, Wis., volunteers at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare in La Crosse, babysits her neighbor’s children and enjoys crafts, reading, gardening and hiking.