Thank you, Albina. We Will Miss You
Written by Catherine Carlton, Volunteer Contributor
She spent the majority of her life doing what all of us hope to be able to say about ourselves: she loved and she helped others.
Albina was married for 75 years to her loving husband, Robert. And she spent 67 years selflessly volunteering with the American Red Cross. Her tenure started during World War II by knitting sweaters for soldiers. She did this from the Production Room in Dallas, Texas. If you stop by there today, you’ll see a quilt hanging on the wall indicating it’s “Albina’s Production Room.”
After the war, the need for sweaters and socks for soldiers had quieted so Albina and her crew began knitting for babies at Parkland and Children's hospitals. They met weekly in the Production Room and engaged home-bound volunteers by delivering materials, picking up finished booties and caps, and then delivering them to children in need.
When Albina and Bob could no longer drive, they continued to volunteer from their retirement home. At the age of 99, Albina reluctantly retired from her Red Cross service.
She is described by her Red Cross family as “dedicated, strong, vibrant, confident and capable.”
“She was born in 1911, the same year the chapter began, which is remarkable,” said Susie Spartano, director of volunteer services for the Red Cross. “She received a 55-year pin and several other awards from the Red Cross and other agencies for her service to the community.”
“When I first began working here, Albina was 89. She was full of fire and full of energy. She was gung ho,” Susie continued. “She could run the production room with complete confidence. Every week for years and years she had a staff of four or five volunteers who would sew under her guidance. She is inspiring.”
Albina’s family has honored her dedication to the Red Cross by requesting that memorial donations from friends and family be made to the American Red Cross. While writing this story, we learned that Bob has now joined Albina. He passed away on Christmas Eve. We are a better organization because of their service. Our heart goes out to the Young family as we also miss this tremendous couple each time we pass her Production Room.
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There are definitely two more angels in heaven. I have a feeling Albina has already found a production room and has lined up other angels to help her! She was ahead of her time in being a strong role model for other women. And I'm sure Bob is assisting others, just like he did as a transportation driver when that was a viable program of the chapter. We should all strive to be as active in our communities as they both were. Albina and Bob - you were the best!
ReplyDeleteWe could not agree with you more. We miss them deeply, but strive to live up to their beautiful legacy.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad to hear of the passing of Albina and Bob. When I worked in Dallas, I always tried to get to see Albina each week when she was in the office. Albina and Bob were truly an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteGod bless...
ReplyDelete