Executive Directors
Four Executive Directors have guided the Maria M. love Convalescent Fund since its inception in 1903.
Suzy Sears: 2008 – Present
Suzy was a member of the Maria Love Convalescent Fund Board until June 2008 when she resigned to assume the position of Executive Director. While a board member Suzy served as President of the Board, chair of the Distribution Committee and chaired the Charity Ball several times. Prior to accepting the position of Executive Director, Suzy was the Director of Admissions and Dean of Students at the Buffalo Seminary.
Karen Berner Little LCSW (Mrs. Bennett): 1972 – 2008
Mrs. Little has devoted her professional career to the practice of social work, including positions as Associate Professor of Social Work at Daemen College, Clinical Social Worker, and Staff Development Trainer at the WNY Developmental Disabilities Service Office. As Executive Director of the Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund, Mrs. Little has initiated a referral network among human service agencies and other providers in Erie County to ensure immediate and appropriate assistance is given to individuals in medical crisis. This network offers human service workers an opportunity to assess a critical situation and complete a referral for Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund consideration. When deemed appropriate, financial assistance through our service categories is offered and made available immediately.
Lorna Prideaux Walker (Mrs. William H. II): 1965 – 1972
Mrs. Walker, a longtime member of the Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund Board, assumed responsibility as Executive Director on a part-time basis in 1972. Under her leadership, the Board continued its outreach and service to the community and she instituted new programs when community services were not available. In the early 1970’s, Mrs. Walker recommended that the title of Executive Director be held by a professional social worker, as she recognized that the nature of referrals were becoming more complex and that a knowledge of the social service system was essential.
Rena Pinner Barrows – Executive Director: 1919 – 1965
Mrs. Barrows was no stranger to The Fitch Crèche and its outreach work. As a kindergarten teacher at the Crèche (1889) and later as a Volunteer Visitor to the homes of its families, she was firmly committed to enhancing the lives of poor working women and their children. Beginning in 1919, and for the next forty-five years, she carried out the mission of the Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund. She accepted referrals from hospitals, social service agencies, private and public charity organizations and physicians. She transported children to hospitals and clinics, selected convalescent homes for the mothers, delivered food and medicine, and made home visits. Upon her retirement in 1973, she had given over seventy-five years of service on behalf of women and children in Erie County.
Suzy Sears: 2008 – Present
Suzy was a member of the Maria Love Convalescent Fund Board until June 2008 when she resigned to assume the position of Executive Director. While a board member Suzy served as President of the Board, chair of the Distribution Committee and chaired the Charity Ball several times. Prior to accepting the position of Executive Director, Suzy was the Director of Admissions and Dean of Students at the Buffalo Seminary.
Karen Berner Little LCSW (Mrs. Bennett): 1972 – 2008
Mrs. Little has devoted her professional career to the practice of social work, including positions as Associate Professor of Social Work at Daemen College, Clinical Social Worker, and Staff Development Trainer at the WNY Developmental Disabilities Service Office. As Executive Director of the Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund, Mrs. Little has initiated a referral network among human service agencies and other providers in Erie County to ensure immediate and appropriate assistance is given to individuals in medical crisis. This network offers human service workers an opportunity to assess a critical situation and complete a referral for Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund consideration. When deemed appropriate, financial assistance through our service categories is offered and made available immediately.
Lorna Prideaux Walker (Mrs. William H. II): 1965 – 1972
Mrs. Walker, a longtime member of the Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund Board, assumed responsibility as Executive Director on a part-time basis in 1972. Under her leadership, the Board continued its outreach and service to the community and she instituted new programs when community services were not available. In the early 1970’s, Mrs. Walker recommended that the title of Executive Director be held by a professional social worker, as she recognized that the nature of referrals were becoming more complex and that a knowledge of the social service system was essential.
Rena Pinner Barrows – Executive Director: 1919 – 1965
Mrs. Barrows was no stranger to The Fitch Crèche and its outreach work. As a kindergarten teacher at the Crèche (1889) and later as a Volunteer Visitor to the homes of its families, she was firmly committed to enhancing the lives of poor working women and their children. Beginning in 1919, and for the next forty-five years, she carried out the mission of the Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund. She accepted referrals from hospitals, social service agencies, private and public charity organizations and physicians. She transported children to hospitals and clinics, selected convalescent homes for the mothers, delivered food and medicine, and made home visits. Upon her retirement in 1973, she had given over seventy-five years of service on behalf of women and children in Erie County.