SYLVIA VELASQUEZ AND
JOSEPHINE ALONSO

A  friend and co-worker once said the most fascinating people live at St. Ann’s. I work with wonderful residents, families and staff and have met many special people. I heartily agree with my friend’s statement.

One of the residents I have the pleasure knowing is Josephine Alonso. Her mother always said Josephine came into the world with a “bang” because of her memorable birth: born “in a taxi cab, on a ferry boat, in the middle of the Hudson River.” Josephine has newspaper articles to prove it!

When I met Josephine she said “I have had a wonderful life. If I could do it all over again, I would do it in the same way!” Josephine talks about childhood stories, vacations, but mostly about her beloved family. She speaks proudly of her mother and father who instilled in her the love of family. She shared a story of when her father had gone to work but returned a half hour later. The family wondered why he was back and he said “I forgot to kiss your mother goodbye.” Josephine never forgot those special memories.

Josephine had a successful career as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse for 23 years. She has seen her family grow and achieve successes and is most proud of the moments she creates with them. Josephine inspires me to appreciate life and see it as a journey and not a destination. I am blessed and fortunate to know her.

-Sylvia Velasquez

Director of Social Services

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