Debbie Boyle, a supply tech in St. Mary's Emergency Department, was awarded St. Mary’s highest honor – the Catherine McAuley Award – at the system’s annual event to recognize tenured employees June 14 at The Classic Center.

Boyle, who lives near Monroe, received the 12^th Annual Catherine McAuley Award in recognition of her dedication to St. Mary’s Mission and Core Values, including reverence for each person, commitment to those who are poor, justice, stewardship and integrity. The award is named in honor of the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, the legacy sponsors of St. Mary’s.

Boyle was honored in front of nearly 300 of her colleagues and their guests by Sister Deborah Kennedy, RSM, of the Sisters of Mercy South Central Community in Belmont, N.C. The award was presented by Sister Kennedy and St. Mary’s President and CEO Don McKenna.

“There is so much we could say about Debbie, who joined St. Mary's in 2009 as an area cleaner," Sr. Deborah said. "A series of family crises took her full attention for a time, but her co-workers welcomed her back in 2013 with open arms."

Sr. Deborah went on to share some highlights from Boyle's nomination.

"'Every day,'" she read, "'Debbie demonstrates commitment through small gifts, a constant smile, a warm heart, and kind words for everyone. Everyone she comes in contact with is touched by her smile and kindness. Her constant daily acts of kindness are amazing, and she does them silently.'

"Her manager, Kris, told the award selection committee that Debbie has faced enormous personal hardships in recent years. These losses have shaped her loving spirit. They have taught her not to hold back, to reach out, because you don't know if you'll get a second chance."

Boyle was selected for the award from among the 12 most recent recipients of St. Mary’s monthly Spirit of Mercy Award. All recipients are selected by St. Mary’s Values in Practice Rewards and Recognition Committee, a peer-level group that handles all aspects of the nomination and selection process. In addition to Boyle, the Spirit of Mercy Award recipients for the past year are:

• Tina Childree, Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Department

• Barbara Covington, Nutrition Services

• Amanda Crane, Rehabilitation Services

• Lori Daniel, Mammography

• Julia DeForest, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

• Jennifer Dickerson, Sacred Heart Hospital Pharmacy

• Melissa Jones, Palliative Care

• Lillian Norris, Orthopedics

• Kristen Power, Rehabilitation Services

• Maritza Ramos, Environmental Services

Tuesday’s event also honored St. Mary’s staff for their years of service in 5-year increments. In all, 263 active employees and 15 recent retirees – with a combined total of 4,427 years of service to St. Mary’s – were recognized.

“Whether you have been with us for five years or 40 years, you are a vital part of who we are and what we do,” McKenna told those assembled for the ceremony. “Because of your dedication, we are able to make a real difference in the lives of the people we serve. Because of you, we are saving lives and enhancing quality of life. Thank you!”