HealthEast Names Sister Marie de Paul Rochester as 2006 Recipient of the Roger Foussard Caring Neighbor Award

ST. PAUL, MN -- (MARKET WIRE) -- December 18, 2006 -- HealthEast has named Sister Marie de Paul Rochester as its 2006 recipient of the Roger Foussard Caring Neighbor Award which recognizes active volunteers and generous givers making a meaningful, positive impact on the physical, emotional and spiritual health of the community. The award was bestowed upon her today at HealthEast's Report to the Community event at the Prom Center. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, who was born at St. Joseph's Hospital, spoke of the sister's lifelong contributions to the East Metro area.

Sister Marie de Paul Rochester, age 95, served as administrator of St. Joseph's Hospital for 18 years (from the 1950s through the 1970s), making her the facility's longest-serving leader in its 153-year history. At a time when women were normally invisible in management positions, this former nurse oversaw major building expansions during her tenure. Today, the sister is once again active on the cabinet for the hospital's current $80 million dollar expansion project.

Her commitment to St. Joseph's is as strong today as it was 50 years ago. She has spearheaded the growth of the hospital's extensive archives -- preserving St. Paul's health care history for generations to come -- and organized nurses' reunions; she also co-authored St. Joseph's 150th anniversary book.

Sister Marie de Paul Rochester continues to volunteer at Bethany Convent (for retired nuns), comforting and praying with the sick and offering advice on health care challenges.

St. Joseph's Hospital (Minnesota's first hospital) is a member of the HealthEast Care System, a community-focused, non-profit health care system that provides innovative technology, compassionate care, and a full spectrum of family health services. HealthEast includes Bethesda Hospital, St. John's Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital and Woodwinds Health Campus as well as outpatient services, clinics, pharmacies, home care, and transportation services. Practicing financial responsibility, HealthEast is the largest, locally owned health care organization in the Twin Cities' East Metro with 6,700 employees and 1,400 physicians on staff.

Contact Information: Contact: Lynn Sadoff 651-326-3590 Email Contact