Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10–11)
The biblical doctrine of stewardship defines our relationship with God. It identifies God as owner and humans as managers. God makes us His co-workers in administering all aspects of our lives. At Saint John Bosco Parish, Joanne and Fred Ollie are shining examples of stewardship, particularly to those less fortunate in our community.
Early Years
Both Joanne and Fred were born in Cleveland but later moved to Garfield Heights. They met while they were students at Garfield Heights High School. Following graduation, Fred served four years in the United States Navy, during which time he worked as a mechanic on aircraft and tested cables at a Naval Air Test Facility in Lakehurst, NJ. After his discharge from the service, Fred spent over 40 years working in toolmaking, machine repair, and plant maintenance for various companies in the Cleveland area. Joanne graduated from the Parma School of Practical Nursing and worked as a nurse at Kaiser Permanente for more than 20 years.
Joanne and Fred have been married 66 years and are the proud parents of two sons and one daughter. Their family has now grown to include nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
Service as SJB Parishioners
While their children were attending Saint John Bosco Grade School, Joanne became involved with the PTA. For many years, she also taught second grade PSR, preparing children for First Holy Communion. During the summer months, Joanne instructed Vacation Bible School classes.
In the meantime, Fred was active in SJB’s Holy Name Society, eventually becoming its president in 1984. Fred was responsible for distributing, maintaining, and collecting CYO sports uniforms. He also arranged monthly Holy Name family breakfasts, which was no small task since the group at that time consisted of more than 80 members.
Together, Joanne and Fred participated for many years in SJB’s Pre-Cana Ministry. In addition, they helped to prepare for the choir’s plays within the church – she with sewing numerous colorful costumes and he with assembling the scenery. Moreover, the couple demonstrated their devotion to the Parish as Eucharistic Ministers for decades.
In the 1980’s, the Ollies’ most important Ministry was the Renewal project. “There were lectures, but a lot of time was spent in reflection, discerning who would take on leadership roles, praying, and asking the Lord what He expects of us,” remembered Fred. “We would set up cots and people would stay overnight. By Sunday, our hearts were filled with enthusiasm for Christ.” Adds Joanne, “Many people enjoyed it so much that they came back and joined the team again the next year.”
Service to SVdP and the Ozanam Pantry
Around the same time, the couple joined SJB’s Saint Vincent dePaul (SVdP) Society Conference. Fred took on the role of Vice President and Treasurer at a time when the group consisted of only 12 men. After Father Dave Liberatore opened the Conference to women, Joanne joined the group. Both quickly became instrumental in establishing the Ozanam Food Pantry for the west side Cleveland neighborhoods. The first Pantry began at an SVdP thrift store on Biddulph Road. In the 1990’s it moved to its present location at the corner of Broadview Road and Searsdale Avenue in Old Brooklyn. The Ozanam Pantry is staffed by volunteers from five west side Parishes.
While Fred is a member of the Board of Directors of the Pantry, helping to authorize the use of funds for rent and purchases, he is clearly the “go-to” guy when it comes to repairing and maintaining the Pantry facility. Whether it’s fixing the seals on refrigerator doors, installing storage shelves and ceiling tile, or repairing wheels on carts, Fred can do it all. In fact, Fred and Joanne are so resourceful that they even “pick” scrapped shopping carts from local grocery stores for use at the Pantry, with the stores’ permission, of course!
For her part, Joanne helps to coordinate the clothing side of the Pantry, organizing donations, distributing items to the needy, and entering intake information. Besides clothing, Joanne helps to give out towels, blankets, and personal care goods. “It’s always rewarding to see people find things that they really need and like,” says Joanne. “One day a man came in and asked for a suit for a special occasion. He was thrilled when he found the suit. Then he came back and donated it again because he said he only needed it for one day!”
When it comes to Ministry, Fred and Joanne’s philosophy is “It’s all about others. It’s facilitated by the good Lord and His gifts.” The Ollies are encouraged by the participation of “newer” volunteers who donate their time and talent to the Pantry. Joanne and Fred’s exemplary service is truly a lesson from which we can all learn.
Submitted by Christine and Robert Martuch