A Lifetime of Service Remembered

When Marilla Powell graduated in 1939 from St. Francis Xavier Infirmary Training School for Nurses, she didn’t have orderlies or a cleaning crew to help her take care of patients.
“We did everything,” Powell said.
Much has changed since Powell’s career as a nurse but she remembers that time fondly and well.
The 97-year-old West Ashley resident recently visited Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital to reunite with 96-year-old Mary Mayo, the only other surviving member of her class. The pair graduated 75 years ago.
The Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy established in 1882 the Saint Francis Infirmary, which since has become Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. The Sisters also created the St. Francis Xavier Infirmary Training School for Nurses in 1900, and that training program continued for about 70 years.
Powell and Mayo embraced and laughed when they saw each other. Soon after, Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital nurses, doctors and staff stood in line for the chance to hear their stories and speak to them. The pair indulged the crowd, posed for photos and opened gifts from hospital staff.
“We were thrilled to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Mary Mayo and Marilla Powell’s graduation and honor their contributions to the history of Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital,” says Pennie Peralta, vice president of nursing for Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. “They are truly awe-inspiring.”
Powell wore the necklace she received when she graduated, and she and Mayo smiled as they recalled their nursing school days. Both went on to have careers as nurses and work at the St. Francis facility.
“I really loved surgery,” Mayo said. “I just loved to help people.”
Powell and Mayo reminisced while looking at their class photo, which showed them and their eight other class members posing in white caps and uniform. The photo still hangs on the wall at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, a reminder of their classmates, studies and the changes in healthcare.