CARIBOU, Maine — Patty Corriveau, a small-business owner in Caribou and a longtime area resident, has become the new president of the Cary Medical Center Ladies Auxiliary.
A graduate of Caribou High School, she worked in her father’s family business, Jenny’s Grocery, growing up and always had a love for flowers. She holds a master’s degree in design and operates the Thistle Shoppe out of her home in Caribou.
Patty Corriveau (Contributed)
The new auxiliary president is focused on expanding the historic organization that has been a major donor to the hospital for more than 50 years and operates the medical center’s gift shop.
“I had been asked many times to join the auxiliary,” said Corriveau, who together with her husband David has raised a family in Caribou. “Good friends like Dottie Wakem and others pursued me over the years, and said when I was ready they would welcome me to the organization. Well, I am ready now and I am very excited and honored to be the leader of this incredible group of women.”
Corriveau and her husband owned and operated the former Phil’s Florist for eight years before closing the business and helping to care for grandchildren.
“It seems it was meant to be,” she said commenting on the childcare. “Daycare was very expensive and hard to find when my children were raising our grandchildren. It was wonderful that we could help out and we are so blessed that our children are all here in the Caribou area — that is not often the case.”
In her new role, Corriveau said she is confident that she can bring more business and professional women to the organization, and is passionate about supporting the community hospital. The auxiliary has raised more than $500,000 for Cary Medical Center and was a major contributor to the new hospital when it opened in 1978.
“Our community hospital is vital to this region,” said Corriveau. “Having quality health care with advanced technology and being able to recruit physicians and other medical professionals takes everyone working together. I hope to encourage a major expansion in membership and I have already had a very positive response from potential members.
“So many outstanding women have helped to build this organization over the years and have created a legacy and a tradition that must continue,” she added. “I look forward to gaining from their wisdom and experience and see a bright future ahead.”
Corriveau invites women in the area who are interested in learning more about the auxiliary to contact her through the Office of Community Relations and Development at Cary Medical Center 498-1112.
