Norma Monaghan, senior vice president of development at St. Francis Medical Center, and president of St. Francis Medical Center Foundation, recently was feted for her 16 years of service by the Trenton-based health institution.
Father Carmen Carlone was principal celebrant of a Mass celebrating her illustrious career, and the St. Francis staff, clergy and leadership held a luncheon in her honor.
Whenever there was a financial need at the medical center, whether to help a patient or to carry out an initiative aimed at assisting the community, Father Carlone said the staff had one response: “Go see Norma.” At the core of Monaghan’s position was raising funds for the hospital, its mission and ministry.
“It is not easy to run a hospital in today’s health care environment,” he said. “The Gospel tells us that you do what you need to do, and you trust in the Lord. We hold onto our core values and our ministry for all who entrust their care to us. When we must find the money somewhere, Norma always helped us find it.”
Noting Monaghan’s service to a homeless patient, Father Carlone continued, “The patient had no clothes, no food or place to live. We believe in the dignity of every person. Norma helped us get this person the core necessities and connect him with additional resources. It’s bittersweet seeing her go.”
Monaghan, a resident of Newtown, Pa., reflected upon her long service to the healthcare institution at the luncheon.
“Life’s a journey, and as I start this new chapter of my life, I think about how grateful I am to have worked at St. Francis,” Monaghan said. “The financial help provided to our patients and programs could not have been possible without the generosity of donors and all the kind people who volunteer their time.”
“My coworkers, our Auxiliary, volunteers, and the clergy have taught me so much,” she added. “It’s a blessing and great gift to be at St. Francis, and it will always be a part of my life.”
In retirement, Monaghan plans on spending more time with her husband, Joe; her children, Joe and Claire, Kelly and Dan, Shannon and Jay, and Kathleen, and her eight grandchildren.