Returning to the sisters of her youth

Yvonne Conniff is flanked by Terry Broberg-Swangin (left) and Debbie Prieto.

“My companion was and still is Sister Theresa Clare Carr. I remember the first time we met in person was when we drove to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for orientation. I don’t think I stopped talking the entire one-and-a-half-hour drive — most likely it was my nervousness kicking in. That was some three years ago and we continue to meet every four to six weeks if possible to share food, fun and spiritual growth,” said Yvonne Conniff, a Providence Associate since 2009.

Yvonne, like Sister Theresa Clare, hails from Indianapolis. She was taught by the Sisters of Providence in St. Anthony Parish. Yvonne has fond memories of her sister-teachers, especially Sister Anne Doherty, who Yvonne knew as Sister Dennis. It was a visit with Sister Anne that prompted Yvonne to seek more information about the Providence Associate Relationship. That conversation with Sister Anne led her to the late Sister Mary Alice Zander, founding director of the associates.

And the rest, as they say, is history!