The Sparrow Volunteer of the Month for February 2019

Published: Feb. 8, 2019

The Sparrow Women’s Board of Managers and the Sparrow Volunteer Services Department have named Carolyn Willoughby of the Sparrow Guild, Angelus League, Archives Committee and previously, the Women’s Board, the February Volunteer of the Month. She has volunteered more than 18 years in some of these groups, always contributing 100% in what ever she was doing.

In the Angelus League, Willoughby organized fabric in storage, getting it ready for use for what ever needed for sewing. For the Women’s Board, she literally “acted” the part as historian dressed in Victorian garb to give her report to the board and again for Founders’ Day. She truly took her role seriously. She was on the Women’s board for two 9- year commitments. She is also a long-time member of the Sparrow Guild where she enjoyed organizing charity balls.

For Archives, Willoughby, now a Women’s Board Emeritae, is the ongoing secretary, taking and posting minutes online and bringing treats each month to the delight of her fellow volunteers.

Outside of Sparrow, Willoughby also has delivered “Meals on Wheels” and was a member of the Junior League.

Willoughby was born in Wisconsin and grew up in Ypsilanti where she attended Eastern Michigan University, graduating with an Education degree. She worked at U. of M. in Food Service Management.

Willoughby and her husband John, D.D.S, have 1 son and 1 daughter and 4 grandchildren. They have helped their son, who lives in New York City, with education S.T.E.M. events and loved it. Her and John also enjoy long tandem bike tours and downhill skiing.

Carolyn Willoughby began her journey at Sparrow with an invitation to join the Guild by a friend who was a member of the Women’s Board.

The Sparrow Women’s Board takes great pride in Honoring volunteers like Carolyn Willoughby who share their time and talent for the benefit of Sparrows’ patients and families. To learn more about volunteering at Sparrow, visit Sparrow.org or call our office at 517.364.3606