Mary Ann Kissell
After an incredible 46 years of dedicated service to the Women’s Club of Portage, Mary Ann Kissell has truly embodied the club's mission of Harmony, Vision, and Purpose! Throughout her journey, she has taken on numerous leadership roles, including secretary, vice-president, and even president/co-president for eight years. Her harmonious collaboration with fellow club members has made a significant impact, driving forward a vision and purpose to enhance the Portage community!
Originally from Punxsutawney, Mary Ann relocated to Portage after marrying her husband. She joined the Women’s Club in 1978, sponsored by Velma Madigan, while balancing the care of her three young children and her terminally ill mother. Even during difficult times, such as her husband's 11-year unemployment, Mary Ann remained committed to the club's efforts to benefit the community.
Throughout her membership, Mary Ann has been involved in countless activities and fundraisers, including gift wrap sales, Salvation Army kettle drives, fashion shows, calendar parties, card clubs, donations to CARE, egg hunts for Easter, parade judging and float creations, letters and breakfast with Santa, Christmas wreaths and mugs(designing and selling), Valentine dinner for two giveaways, and “Support Our Troops” Projects - just to name a few. When asked about significant projects during her presidency, she emphasized, “All of the projects were important because we were doing them for our community.” She added that the purchase of the wagon near the arch in town and the shed to hold decorations were significant for the club. Mary Ann stated especially, the "Heritage Christmas Ornament" sale, established during her first presidency, thrived for over a decade. She continued, “We sold many historical ornaments, and people who moved out of Portage appreciated them.” Additionally, a cookbook featuring members' favorite recipes was also a beloved creation. Mary Ann shared, “It is a great cookbook with great recipes. I still have it today!”
Reflecting on the club's evolution through the years, Mary Ann noted the transformative impact of technology, recalling how communication has shifted from phone calls to digital platforms. She explained, “We didn’t have the internet, Facebook, or cell phones. Everything was done by calling each other on the phone.” She fondly remembers the two-month door-to-door donation campaign for winter snowflakes that she and fellow co-president, Jackie Beck, completed together. With delight, she shared that those snowflakes have adorned Portage for nearly twenty years.
As a member of the Women's Club of Portage with almost fifty years of service, Mary Ann exemplifies dedication, passion, and commitment. She urges members to pursue leadership roles, affirming that decision-making is a collective effort. “This isn’t just one person’s club; it belongs to everyone. We are all here to work together. Embrace the position and enjoy it,” Mary Ann stated. As she steps back from her leadership roles in the club, she reflected, “I will take a back seat and cherish all the accomplishments we've achieved during my time in the Women’s Club so far. I am incredibly proud of everything our club has done for our community.”
Thank you, Mary Ann, for your countless hours of volunteer work, guidance, and steadfast commitment to our club and community We eagerly anticipate many more years of your invaluable insights and ongoing participation with the Women's Club of Portage.
service to others leads to greatness
Jackie Beck
Jackie has been a dedicated member of the Women's Club of Portage since 1981, showcasing her commitment through various leadership roles over the past forty-four years, including an impressive seven years as president or co-president. Jackie not only inspires others with her passion for community service but also actively fosters an inclusive and supportive environment for all members. Her leadership and enthusiasm have significantly contributed to the growth and success of the club.
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Born in Johnstown in 1950 as the eldest of four children, Jackie grew up in a nuclear family of that era. Her father worked in the local steel mill, while her stay-at-home mom managed household responsibilities like cooking and laundry. However, that changed during the steel strike in 1959 when her mom became a seamstress at the "jacket factory", making most of Jackie's clothes, sometimes from fabric sourced from chicken feed sacks. The children in her family were expected to contribute to household chores, which often included picking beans, corn, or raspberries from their large garden. Jackie stated, "I still remember having to snap beans before I was allowed to go out on dates." In 1968, Jackie graduated from Portage Area proudly playing in the school band.
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After getting married, Jackie spent twelve wonderful, cherished years in Pittsburgh. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Duquesne University and later pursued a Master’s Degree in Pediatric Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh. The city's vibrant life was both challenging and enriching, shaping Jackie into who she is today, although she affirms, "I don't miss the traffic." During this time, she welcomed her three daughters and lived in a charming one-and-a-half-story home surrounded by friends her age. With those friends having children close to her children's ages, it created a joyful environment for her children to grow up in. With joy, Jackie chimed, "this period was one of the happiest in my life; I even took on the role of a Girl Scout leader." With sincere pleasure, Jackie goes on to say, "One of my children now resides in that same house, and my heart fills with joy during visits, especially with grandchildren there. I hope they cherish this beloved home as much as I did."
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Jackie's young family moved back to their hometown of Portage after spending years in the city to assist her husband's family with their health issues. While her husband took on a role in the family business and Jackie welcomed their fourth child, a son, she also managed to advance her career and complete her doctoral degree at Penn Sta. Before she knew it, her children had graduated from high school and college and started their own families. Together with her fifteen grandchildren, they are all her greatest sources of love and pride.
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Jackie became involved with the Portage Women’s Club in 1981 with the intent to connect with community, contributing positively, and "giving back." This marked a significant turning point as Jackie witnessed notable shifts in women's roles in society, even in Portage. She noticed a stark difference between the experiences and perspectives of older generations and her aspirations for a more women-focused world. Embracing that societal evolvement, Jackie stepped into leadership roles in the Women's Club, serving in almost all positions for many years. With so many club activities to mention, Jackie takes pride in stating, "I initiated efforts to beautify our town and established a scholarship for nursing students at Mount Aloysius, which continues to be awarded annually."
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​When reflecting on the changes experienced while in the club, Jackie noted that growing up in 1950s-60s was a vastly different experience compared to today, influenced by unique cultural, technological, and societal norms. She recalls, "Back then, there was no internet, smartphones, or personal computers. Children found entertainment in board games, outdoor activities, books, and radio shows. While televisions were becoming popular, we only had four channels available. Receiving a transistor radio for Christmas was my connection to the outside world. Today, technology is pervasive, with smartphones, social media, online games, and streaming services shaping how kids interact and spend their time. Communication is now instant, global, and relentless, as seen during the Covid pandemic in 2020 when schools transitioned to online learning."
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Continuing, Jackie explained, "Our world and society have undergone significant transformations as well. The 1950s were marked by the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, and counterculture, sparking discussions about race, equality, and freedom. Today, social activism persists with movements focused on climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, the participation of trans-men in women's sports, and racial justice. The internet amplifies these voices on a global scale, sometimes with negative consequences."
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Jackie acknowledged that the differences are significant, highlighting the extent of societal transformation over the years. Children encounter these from an early age. Which era do you believe provides a more enriching childhood experience? Jackie confessed, "I would happily return to the days of simpler times and reduced stress in child-rearing, even if it meant giving up my cell phone and leaving Facebook behind."
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As part of the Women's Club of Portage, Jackie takes immense pride in her work and the leadership that helped drive our club forward. Each member brings unique strengths, and it’s easy to see how collaboration can lead to incredible achievements. To new members and those going into leadership positions, Jackie encourages you to "be a good listener; listen more than you talk and communicate effectively. Create an environment where everyone feels valued. Delegate responsibilities but be flexible. Lastly, be your authentic self."
Thank you, Jackie, for your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts, which have made a significant impact on countless lives and helped to shape the strong foundation we stand on today. You are an inspiring example of service and leadership. We look forward to fostering connections, inspiring change, and creating lasting memories with you in the Women's Club of Portage as we strive together to make our community a better place for everyone.
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