Elaine Coburn wins 2009 Paulus Award

Pictured left to right are: Cathy Coburn Costello, Fr. Lorn Snow, S.J., Alice Paulus Award recipient Elaine Coburn, Nancy Coburn and Mary Rose Coburn Sullivan.

The Gesu Women’s Guild presented its 2009 Alice Paulus Award to longtime parish volunteer, Elaine K. Coburn, of University Heights. Coburn received the honor on May 7 at the guild’s "Celebrate Spring!" dinner at Shaker Heights Country Club.

Named in honor of long-standing parishioner and dedicated volunteer, Alice Paulus, the award recognizes a woman who exemplifies Paulus’s willingness to serve Gesu Parish and reflects her spirit of faith and volunteerism.

Coburn and her husband, Don, have been members of Gesu for more than 50 years. They raised five sons and two daughters in the church.

"Gesu Parish truly values Elaine’s continual involvement and leadership," said Reverend Lorn Snow, pastor of Gesu. "Elaine never complained about the workload, nor did she ever brag about her achievements. Her truly Christian attitude has been an inspiration to her family, friends, and to all who have noticed her quiet, modest dedication to the parish."

Coburn began volunteering when her children were in school. She served on the Gesu School Board and the PTO. She was one of the original organizers of the school's Junior Great Books program.

Coburn served as committee chair and vice president for the Women’s Guild and Parish Council. She was a founding member of many committees and groups, such as the Gesu Christian Life Community and the first Gesu Endowment Board.

Coburn represented Gesu as a board member of Catholic Charities and was one of Gesu's first women lectors and Eucharistic Ministers.

In addition to her Gesu volunteer activities, Coburn served as president of the Cleveland Chapter of Sacred Heart Alumni, president of the board of Glen Oak School, and a member of the Gilmour Academy Board of Trustees.

Mary Patton is a public relations consultant and University Heights resident.
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Volume 2, Issue 6, Posted 11:37 AM, 05.19.2009