Some people just can’t sit still. Despite age, discomforts, and disabilities, women like Minnie Mauro and Pat Clark have found ways to cheer and comfort to others. Pat, a volunteer at FISH for over 20 years, has made it her mission to clean and refurbish over 10,000 stuffed animals and dolls for children of clients. Minnie is well-known for the hundreds of hats and blankets she knitted and crocheted for clients.
Minnie and her husband, Nick, came to FISH as transportation clients in 1999. For years, many volunteer drivers who took them to medical appointments enjoyed their good humor and pleasant company. In October 2001, Minnie started crocheting hats for FISH. Susan Voigt, FISH Transportation Coordinator and driver, visited her regularly to collect her finished handwork and resupply her with yarn. For over seven years, Minnie devoted herself to creating special gifts for FISH clients. She crocheted 700 adult and children’s winter hats, 5 baby blankets, 144 doll hats, 6 pairs of booties for dolls, and 63 doll blankets. The doll blankets and hats were used on dolls refurbished and dressed by Pat Clark. After Minnie’s husband died in May 2004, she continued her "works of heart” until 2009.
In addition to her association with FISH and her contributions to other Williamsburg community organizations, Minnie was proud of her wartime factory work as one of the many women known as “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II. Minnie’s years of service to FISH were recognized by the Peninsula Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by the United Way of Virginia Peninsula. Transportation volunteer turned friend, Susan, has many special memories of attending the annual RSVP recognition luncheons with Minnie.
On the occasion in this photo, several of Minnie’s young friends assembled at her house wearing the hats she had knitted for them. One child is holding a doll also wearing a Minnie Mauro hat.
In addition to her association with FISH and her contributions to other Williamsburg community organizations, Minnie was proud of her wartime factory work as one of the many women known as “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II. Minnie’s years of service to FISH were recognized by the Peninsula Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by the United Way of Virginia Peninsula. Transportation volunteer turned friend, Susan, has many special memories of attending the annual RSVP recognition luncheons with Minnie.
On the occasion in this photo, several of Minnie’s young friends assembled at her house wearing the hats she had knitted for them. One child is holding a doll also wearing a Minnie Mauro hat.
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