BELMONT — The close of 2021 ushers in the end of an era for Holy Angels. Two of its most stalwart champions, Mercy Sister Nancy Nance and Dennis Kuhn, are retiring after about 60 combined years of service.
Sister Nancy, vice president of community relations, has graced Holy Angels with her wit, wisdom and selfless love for 36 years. She will be the last Sister of Mercy to serve as a full-time staff member at Holy Angels, which opened 66 years ago.
Sister Nancy has taken on many roles in her time at Holy Angels – photographer, community relations coordinator, and restaurant and candy shop manager, just to name a few.
“I take my leave with much joy and excitement for what the future might hold, but also much sadness,” Sister Nancy said in a farewell letter dated Dec. 6.
She noted that she will be taking with her many wonderful memories of the opening of Cherubs Café in Belmont, living in the Lakewood community group home for 16 years, Great Adventures and the cruises and retreats in Maggie Valley, Christmas with the Sisters of Mercy at Sacred Heart Convent, and Holy Angels’ annual Christmas Mass.
“Most importantly, I will take with me the love I have for each of our residents, their families and staff, who have provided me with countless ‘Mercy Moments’ and wonderful stories to share these many years and the love that has been shared with me,” she said.
Kuhn will step away from his position as executive vice president at Holy Angels after 23 years of service.
He joined Holy Angels in 1998 as the volunteer coordinator and soon moved to vice president of human resources.
Kuhn was Holy Angels’ first chaplain on staff, where he has provided spiritual care, support and prayers for residents and staff.
His introduction of “Mercy Moments” – videos and stories highlighting all of the ways staff and residents experience God’s love and mercy on a daily basis – has had a lasting impact on the organization, and it is what Kuhn considers his most significant contribution.
During the past few years, he has also contributed to the significant growth of the major gifts and planned gifts programs.
Although he will no longer be on staff, he plans to continue offering his time, care and love to residents.
“I have been enriched through the enduring love of the ‘holy innocents,’ the residents of Holy Angels and the staff who serve them ’round the clock. It is a ministry full of ‘Mercy Moments,’ heaven and earth intersecting daily,” Kuhn said.
Regina Moody, Holy Angels’ president and CEO, admits the retirements of both Sister Nancy and Kuhn are a loss for the nonprofit, but it is also a valedictory celebration of hard work for two of the organization’s biggest advocates.
“Sister Nancy and Dennis are the epitome of service to the differently able,” Moody noted. “They have spent decades of their life bringing joy and love to residents in a consistently caring and compassionate way. We couldn’t ask more of those who work with Holy Angels.”
Sister Nancy plans to travel and spend time with family and friends, but, like Kuhn, will return for special events at Holy Angels.
“This special place of loving, living and learning for the differently able and all the stories and remembrances that have made these 36 years so wonderful have given me so much happiness, my heart overflows with joy!” she noted. “Mahatma Gandhi said it best: ‘There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.’”
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter. Gaston Gazette contributed.
What is Holy Angels?
Holy Angels provides the highest quality care for differently able children and adults, some with delicate medical conditions.
The Holy Angels Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation and sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.
To donate to Holy Angels, visit the website at www.HolyAngelsNC.org. Donations can also be mailed to: Holy Angels, P.O. Box 710, 6600 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont, N.C. 28012.
Questions? Call 704-825-4161.