St. Luke 2011 Volunteer of the Year Wins Mother of the Year

On April 13, the St. Luke Lutheran Community honored North Canton resident Margaret Regallis as 2011 Volunteer of the Year. Regallis has been a St. Luke volunteer since 2006, when she began assisting with the care of her husband, James, and other St. Luke residents.

She visited and helped every morning and evening. She was asked to become a certified volunteer and take the resident feeding class known as the Silver Spoon program. Even after her husband passed away, Margaret continues her service to residents and staff and dedicated 450 hours in 2010.

“At the banquet, her daughter, Sue Pluck, was her guest,” said Kristie Woods, director of development and community relations for St. Luke Foundation and St. Luke Lutheran Community. “From Sue we learned that Margaret is so much more than just a volunteer for St. Luke — she is a volunteer mom." (Pluck was adopted by Regallis as a teenager.)

As a way to honor her mother on Mother’s Day, Pluck shares some special things about her mother with North Canton Patch.

North Canton Patch: What does Mother's Day mean to you?

Sue Pluck: It means I have a wonderful mother, who did not give birth to me, but gave me life at great sacrifice to herself when I was 11 years old. She has given me rescue, security, unconditional love and wisdom, and brought me to to the feet of Jesus to receive Him as my Savior. Not because I happened to be born to her, but because she chose me.

North Canton Patch: What do you love most about your mom?

Pluck: Her faith in God and Jesus Christ, her willingness to open her heart to a damaged child and restore me back to wholeness, and her servant’s spirit. She is always serving others, looking to bring some joy or hope into the lives of others, like volunteering at St. Luke's.

North Canton Patch: Can you talk a little about what you have learned from your mom over the years and as you have grown?

Pluck: I have learned how to love. When I came to live with my mom and dad, I didn't want to be touched or be around anyone. I hid in my room as much as I could. With faith and love, they required that anyone coming in or going out of the house had to kiss each other hello or goodbye. That was hard, but they persisted until I allowed myself to be touched, and then I could touch others, and know it was not a hurtful thing. I learned that being part of a family was a good thing, not something to be afraid of. I could not cry and had not cried for a couple years. One night we were watching Little House on the Prairie, and tears started running down my face. Mom and Dad looked at me and got up shouting and praising God that I was really crying. They and God had broken through. Later, we had a good laugh about the joy and excitement because I cried.

North Canton Patch: What childhood memories do you have of your mom?

Pluck: My mom was saddled with an 11-year-old and then later, a 16-year-old boy, never having children of her own. She coped beautifully. From the moment we came into her life, we were her children and have been so ever since.

North Canton Patch: What would you like to say to your mom on Mother’s Day?

Pluck: I love you and thank you so much. I praise God for putting Jimmy (Jimmy, Sue’s adopted brother, passed away this year after an extended illness) and I in your life and care. You are wonderful and I pray I am half the mother to my children that you have been to me. You have taught me to love myself and others so I can unconditionally love my own beautiful children for which I am extremely grateful. You accepted my children as your grandchildren and me as your daughter. You are so awesome! What a blessing you have been to me over the years, and I pray that I can be a blessing to you now at the age of 85.