Ronnie Brown Wins The Village at Marymount's January 2014 Franciscan Spirit Award

There’s a story that Villa St. Joseph Administrator Dan Storey likes to tell about Ronnie Brown of the Nutrition Services Department.

When heavy snow and cold on Jan. 6 caused several call offs in Brown’s department, Storey happened to see him and David Meredith, also of Nutrition Services, in the hallway that morning. “How we doing today Ronnie?” Dan asked. “Fantastic,” Brown replied. Storey then looked at Meredith and asked the same question. “We’re down four (staff members),” Meredith replied. Storey laughed, “How is that ‘fantastic’ Ronnie?” he asked.

Brown’s reply speaks volumes of his Franciscan spirit and his and philosophy on life. Brown’s positive attitude and ability to live the Mission earned him the January 2014 Franciscan Spirit Award. Brown, a cook and dietary utility person, edged out four others, including Meredith, in his department to win the honors. Parkisha Fayne, Necole Freeman, and Ed Upeslej also received nominations for the award.

“Ronnie works very hard and really exemplifies our Franciscan spirit,” said Andrea Ward, Director of Nutrition Services.

Brown, whose fiancée, Vanessa Grady, works in the Marymount Convent, recently moved to Garfield Heights. He and Grady have yet to set a wedding date.