Lucia Spikes named Woman of the Year 2011

By Francisco Barrios
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 11:07 AM MDT


In a special evening among family and friends, Lucia Spikes was awarded with the Woman of the Year 2011, Lifetime Achievement recognition from the Douglas Chamber of Commerce.


Francisco Barrios/Douglas Dispatch Lucia Spikes receiving the Woman of the Year award in hands of Douglas Mayor Dr. Michael Gomez, Beth Phagen, and Windy Gomez. Spikes was honored with the award for being a generous person and showing many acts of kindness for many in the Douglas community.

Kathleen Gomez, Vice President of the Greater Douglas Chamber of Commerce said “Tonight we are here to celebrate all that is good in Douglas. Our woman of the year is a Douglas native and is a tremendous supporter of our community in many ways. She serves in many non-profit organizations in our community, such as the House of Hope, St. Vincent De Paul, Turning Point, is on advisory boards for the Arizona Department of Economic Security and Southeast Arizona Medical Center.”

At the moment Spikes received the award she said “It is with deep humility and gratitude that I accept this honor which you bestow on me. I am most grateful for the opportunity to have served my community over the years; a community who calls me to be the very best I can be for others. In this journey of life, I have experienced that fulfillment comes from sharing the gifts received from God through others. That is why I believe that this award belongs, not only to me, but to everyone who has taught, encouraged, supported and worked alongside of me to better our community. Thank you! May God continue to bless all of us as we continue to make a difference and strive to create a better world.”

Proclamation

Lucia Spikes was born and raised in Douglas, Arizona, attended Lestonic pre-school and graduated from Loretto in the ninth grade. In 1956, Lucia graduated from DHS and continued with her studies, graduating from the Hotel Du School of Nursing in June of 1959 in El Paso, Texas.

In 1959 Lucia started her nursing career as a staff nurse working for Cochise County Hospital. In the late 1970’s Lucia became the Director of Nursing at Southeast Arizona Medical Center where she retired in 1985. Lucia has always been a strong supporter of the nursing profession and an advocate for the nursing community.

Lucia is proud to be the Founder of the Patrons of Hope, through the Patrons of Hope they were able to build and sustain the House of Hope. In the past 8 years Lucia has worked in the kitchen at St. Vincent De Paul providing meals of the hungry.

Lucia belongs to organizations such as the Special Action Group of the University of Arizona, Turning Point, a member of the Catholic Christian Community and the Douglas Area Community Fund. Lucia received the Lady of the Year award from Betta Sigma Phi Society in 2006. She was appointed to the local Advisory Board of County of the Arizona Department of Economic Security in 2001.

Copyright © 2013 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    Gaby Romero wrote on Apr 28, 2011 5:49 PM:

    " For years I have watched Mrs. Lucia serve the hungry at St. Vinvent, I have seen her work on days when many of us were on vacation...she has spearheaded activities that helped the disenfranchised and the trully needy. I can think of noone better than her to receive this recognition. "

    SAMC staff wrote on Apr 25, 2011 9:13 PM:

    " CONGRATULATIONS!!!! How could such a heartless lady receive such an honor? As Lucia sits on the board of SAMC she has yet to defend the staff as 10 SAMC employees have left, and continue to leave. She is a big part of the community HELLO people don't you see what’s going on in the hospital, as they have extensions to pay the gas, and the light because they can't even pay the bills Lucia if your so involved with the community where's the money of SAMC oh wait Mr. Carter embezzled it as Mr. Bickle stated in a meeting. I find that quit funny after almost 3 yrs. when is the new hospital there supposedly going to build? Wait...Wait. Lucia is a big part of the hospital does she even know? I think it’s a shame our community gets slapped in the face with such an honor given to such a heartless lady who only thinks of herself and not the community. There are true people out there whom really deserve this plaque. "

    really wrote on Apr 22, 2011 7:16 PM:

    " really! why should such a two-faced woman be honored when there are so many many women who have made a real contribution to this community? Many who may not be well known but who actually make a difference in anonimity?! The Chamber needs to take a good look at themselves and forget who they think is popular. High school years are long since passed! "

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