A Childhood Shaped by Kindness at Ascension St. John

"My memories of St. John's are all good," Martha says with a smile.

As a young child, Martha’s mother worked in Medical Records at Ascension St. John. On days when childcare wasn't available, she would tag along to the hospital. Those unexpected visits quickly became some of her favorite childhood experiences.

Rather than sitting quietly in an office, Martha found herself spending time with the hospital's Sisters, following them through the halls as they visited patients. Together they sang songs, offered companionship, and brightened the day for those within the hospital.

"Back then, they even sang over the intercom," Martha recalls. "Of course, they sang a lot better than I did."

Patients would greet the little girl with warm smiles and hugs. Looking back, she realizes those simple moments brought comfort not only to her but also to the patients she met.

"The patients liked to hug on me because I was a little kid," she says. "It just seemed like it made them feel better."

The Sisters made an equally lasting impression. They were gentle, kind, and nurturing. They also weren't afraid to keep her in line when needed.

"They were almost like mothers to me," she says. "They were very gentle and kind... but they could be strict, too."

As a 5-year-old, she admired everything about them. Their compassion, their willingness to serve others, and yes—even their singing—made her dream of becoming one herself.

"I wanted to be a nun," she laughs. "I didn't really know what a nun was. I just knew they helped people, they were nice, and they sang."

As she grew older, she learned that becoming a nun wasn't in her future, but the values the Sisters modeled never left her.

Years later, after graduating from nursing school, she fulfilled another dream by joining St. John as a nurse in 2021. Walking through the same hallways where she had once wandered as a child felt like coming home.

Then, during surgery at St. John in 2022, she experienced an unexpected full-circle moment.

"I was so excited because one of my nurses was a Sister," she says. "When I came back and told everyone at work, myy coworkers said, 'You have to see the Sisters around here!' Martha believes God was looking out for her because she had a Sister as her nurse.

For Martha, working at St. John is about much more than a job. It's a place filled with memories, purpose, and a legacy of service that helped shape who she is today.

"It brings back a lot of good memories of my childhood," she says. "Growing up wasn't always easy, but this place always represented kindness."

Perhaps the greatest lesson she learned from the Sisters wasn't something they said—it was something they lived every day.

"They taught me about serving," she reflects. "Even if you don't have a lot, you can still do a lot with your time. If you don't have the financial means to help, you can still give your time and care for others."

That lesson has become a guiding principle throughout Martha’s life and career.

Today, as a St. John nurse, she continues the same mission she witnessed as a little girl walking the halls beside the Sisters—offering compassion, serving others, and carrying forward a legacy of kindness that has spanned generations.

Centennial Voices is a special article and video series celebrating Ascension St. John’s 100-year milestone through the stories of current and former employees. Through personal reflections on meaningful connections, memorable moments, and everyday inspiration, these voices highlight the people and purpose that have shaped our legacy—and continue to guide our future. Learn more about our history.