Each year, since the St. Charles Hospital Board of Directors established the Sr. Martha Winum Award in 2007, an outstanding employee at St. Charles Hospital is recognized with the Sr. Martha Winum Award, which recognizes an individual who embodies the spirit and compassion that she demonstrated in her 72 years at St. Charles Hospital.

Sr. Martha made her vows as a Daughter of Wisdom in 1932 at 21 and took her first obedience at St. Charles Hospital. In all her years of ministry, she had no other assignment. During her ministry at St. Charles, she was presented with a special award by the hospital's Board of Directors in 1978 and received New York State's Woman of Distinction Award in 2001. In 2005, the Sister Martha Winum Nursing Education Center at St. Charles Hospital was dedicated in her honor.

She passed away on October 2, 2011, at the age of 100. Following her death, the Legislative Body of the State of New York honored Sr. Martha, recognizing her lifelong commitment to public service and civic initiatives that significantly improved the quality of life in the community and the state.

The Legislative Resolution by Senator Kenneth LaValle recognised Sr. Martha Winum, as one who gave a lifetime devoted to caring for children and patients at St. Charles Hospital, and for her significant contributions through her many roles, including teaching business courses to children with disabilities and establishing the hospital's Pastoral Care Department. After 72 years of service, she retired in 2003 but continued volunteering. The resolution concluded with a call to honor her memory.

**Sr. Edith Menegus, OSU, BCC & Director of Pastoral Care, St. Charles Hospital, and Sr. Marie-Josee Seide, DW.**

This year's award was given to the late Sr. Ann Gray, DW. However, a greater honor will continue in her name as the Martha Winum Award was renamed in her memory.

Sr. Ann served on the hospital's Patient and Family Advisory Council, the Mission and Ministry Committee, was a Board Member of Catholic Health, and, most recently, served on the Hospital Foundation Board. Her commitment and contributions to the hospital and community made her an ideal recipient for the renaming of the award, presented by Jim O'Connor, President of St. Charles Hospital.

At Sr. Ann Gray's funeral Mass Sr. Evelyn Eckhardt, DW, shared "... how wonderful that we are here this morning in the Chapel at Sr. Ann's beloved St. Charles Hospital. We all know so well - for Sr. Ann, St. Charles is the best hospital on Long Island!" reflecting Sr. Ann Gray's deep love and commitment to St. Charles Hospital, making the renaming of the award in her honor even more meaningful.

Sr. Marie-Josee Seide, DW, who accepted the award on behalf of the Congregation, said the ceremony, "...was very beautiful and also very moving, especially the slide presentation, and tribute read about her life."

Thank you, St. Charles Hospital. Renaming the award to the Sr. Ann Gray Award is a wonderful way to keep her memory alive.

Sr. Martha Winum Award Renamed in Honor of Sr. Ann Gray