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Emeritus Members of LFCNA
Emeritus member status was created in 2025 and is open to those meeting the following criteria:
- The individual has made significant contributions beyond financial support, such as serving on committees, participating on the Board of Directors, or contributing to the broader FCN community, especially in roles as educators.
- The individual is a founding member or has maintained membership for at least 15 years.
- The individual is 85 years of age or older.
Andrea (Andy) West, Centennial, CO, Region 2
Andy West, from Centennial, CO provided key leadership at the time the organization evolved to the national level. She was one of the first Region 2 directors on the National Board starting in 2011. She continued serving on the Board for several years, including serving as Secretary for some years. Even after leaving her Board position, Andy has remained a staunch supporter of LFCNA and Faith Community Nursing. | |
Lu Vitalis, Fargo, ND, Region 3 |
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Sandy Connell, Chanhassen, MN Region 3 |
Sandy decided to make a career change when she was in her 40’s and graduated from the nursing program of Normandale Community College. She worked as a home care nurse at Waconia Hospital. a school nurse, and in long term care. In 1998 she was hired by Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church and took the Concordia College Parish Nurse Preparation course at Luther Seminary that was taught by Lu Vitalis and Annette Langdon. Sandy served as camp nurse at Cathedral of the Pines in Northern Minnesota for 35 years, both before and after becoming Mt. Olivet's Parish Nurse. As Parish Nurse she facilitated/coordinated the Caregiver and Visitation Ministries, Prayer Ministry, Fibromyalgia Support Group, and worked closely with the mental health services affiliated with Mt. Olivet. Together with several knitters from Mt Olivet, she initiated a Prayer Shawl Ministry that remains active even ow. For many years she organized annual Health Fairs and included a bike helmet giveaway for the Vacation Bible Schools. After retirement as the parish nurse, she was employed by Mt. Olivet Day Services giving flu shots, Mantoux testst, health talks, abd health education letters. When COVID hit and this service was discontinued. Sandy was at the very first meeting on December 16, 2004, when a group met with the Bishop of the Minneapolis Synod to discuss formation of a “PN Association”. She was one of our founding members and served on the Board of Directors of the Evangelical Lutheran Parish Nurse Association (earlier name) for many years. Currently, Sandy has “officially” retired after three previous attempts at retirement! She continues to attend Mt. Olivet West and is active as an usher, helping with community food packing, Bible Study and book club. She has 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. They all live nearby and participate in church activities | Marie Wiegert, Sandy , and Phyllis Bruce
Sandy with Jill Stewart |
Marilyn Pucossi, Bloomington, MN Region 3
As a member of the church council of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Bloomington, MN, there was discussion about hiring a parish nurse and Marilyn was asked if she that was something she would consider. As of 2026, she has been the Parish Nurse for 15 plus years. She works closely with the pastoral staff, especially the Visitation Pastor, and coordinates ongoing Grief and Caregivers Support Groups Marilyn is a lifelong learner and frequently attends our educational events. "The Faith Community Nurse position has brought me back to providing physical, emotional, and spiritual care of the person. I have greatly enjoyed the time I have been serving in this position".
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Updated: 03/21/26
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