Two locals have been honored by the 2021 Ovation awards, a tribute to Iowa Women and Girls hosted by the Iowa Women’s Foundation.
Mary Jane McWilliams was honored with a tribute. Her tribute in the awards book stated “McWilliams served as a nurse’s aide at the Palo Alto Community Hospital, where she became hooked on nursing. McWlliams left Emmetsburg to pursue education at the Cook County Hospital School of nursing, serving as a primarily indigent population in inner-city Chicago. She returned to Iowa, where she worked several professional nursing gigs before becoming a volunteer at the Community Free Clinic in Cedar Rapids. McWilliams was named as one of the 100 great Iowa Nurses. Her skill is only surpassed by her empathy. She loves the diversity and serving the needs at the clinic, bringing her professional life full circle. Always smiling, Mary Jane exudes caring, empathy and understanding. A ‘grand’ grandmother, loving mother, wife and loyal friend. Mary Jane is a gift to the people she loves and serves.”
Renee Mae Virlee was also nominated for the award. Her description in the packet read “Mama. Wife. Fierce Worker. Competitive. Mentor. Decisive, yet gentle. Informed. Ethical. Diligent. The jewel of the family.
“She was valedictorian of her graduating class at Lisbon. She was an intrepid hurdler, scrappy basketball and softball player, bachelor of science in accounting from Penn State and a matter of accountancy from the University of Iowa and is a certified public accountant.
“She is an accomplished professional, diligent volunteer, loving spirit to her family and friends. Thoughtful. Kind.
When she focuses those big brown eyes on a task, you can be sure it will be accomplished, whether it is helping her husband, Drew on the farm, or serving her clients as the new owner of Pearson & Virlee PC in Mount Vernon and Cedar Rapids.
“Her greatest love is caring for Ingrid and Pierce. Ever present for them in spirit and love, she is a shining example of motherhood and a joy to us all.”
Locals honored with 2021 Ovation Awards
August 5, 2021