REMEMBERING OUR LODGE OF ONDESSONK & TEKAKWITHA BROTHER AND SISTERS
We remember those whom we have recently lost. They were members of our Ondessonk Family, as well as members of the Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha. Their lives made a distinct impact on the campers of Ondessonk.
Joseph C. (Joe) Bushue
March 28, 1969 – May 20, 2022
Lodge Member, Camper, C.I.T., Counselor, Seasonal Staff, Donor
Born in Effingham, Ill., Joe was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Edgewood. He was a camper from 1981 to 1984 and a counselor from 1985 to 1994. He also was a full-time (seasonal) staff member from 1989 to 1994. Joe was inducted into Lodge in 1984 and served as Lodge Chief in 1994.
As a counselor, Joe’s experience was all-inclusive, working as a nature instructor, boating instructor, cook, dining hall manager, and unit leader. His career was that of a technology manager at a publishing firm.
Joe was a good friend to all. He was intelligent, generous, thoughtful, and kind, with endless patience and a sense of humor. He saw beauty in the natural world and shared that appreciation with many others, including all the campers whom he led on nature hikes. He represented the best in a Lodge member, making a positive impact on those he knew. He passed May 20, 2022, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.
Kathryn A. (Tinkerbell) Chambliss
April 8, 1956 – May 20, 2023
Lodge Member, Camper, C.I.T., Counselor, Volunteer, Donor
Kathy Chambliss, originally from Cairo, Ill., came from a large family that included nine siblings. A pivotal part of her life, from a young age was Camp Ondessonk. Camp became a sanctuary of personal growth, deep friendships, and wonderful memories.
Known at Camp as Tinkerbell, she brought joy and laughter to all around her as a camper, C.I.T., unit leader, and archery instructor. Besides working in the kitchen, she became lead instructor in Archery and would expertly deliver the flaming arrows during Lodge Ceremonies when inductees’ names were called.
Her career began at her alma mater, SIUC, serving in university food service production for three decades. In addition, she earned her Practical Nursing credential, and applied her clinical knowledge caregiving skills in numerous settings. In retirement, Tinkerbell’s spirit of service was extended not only to Camp Ondessonk, but to caring for the vulnerable and assisting the elderly. Embodying the true spirit of a Lodge member, Tinkerbell brought joy and warmth to all who crossed her path. She passed unexpectedly at home May 20, 2023, from complications from surgery.
Patricia M. (Patty) Canavan
November 8, 1953 – June 23, 2023
Lodge Member, Camper, C.I.T., Counselor, Donor
Patty was best known at Camp Ondessonk for her beautiful smile, caring heart, and ready friendship. She was a counselor in 1971 and 1972. Patty valued the camaraderie with her fellow counselors and enjoyed working with the campers. She was a member of the aquatics team, mostly in boating. Patty was inducted into Lodge in the late 1960s, and while on staff, she portrayed the “Happy Maiden” in the Lodge Ceremonies on Thursday nights.
She was a graphic designer for Montgomery Ward/Sears, a photographer for Spiegel Catalog, and later in life, a caregiver with Home Instead. She loved all the arts. Her expert creative endeavors included watercolor, photography, calligraphy, and needlework.
Patty’s last visit to Camp was November 12, 2022, when snow hit unexpectedly. Filled with nostalgia, she, along with her family and friends, spent the day reminiscing and visiting favorite places around Camp. She passed June 23, 2023, at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Mo.
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