City of Orange family – and one special nurse – welcomes a fourth generation of Providence St. Joseph babies

When KaSondra Gonzalez gave birth to her second daughter, Dakota, at Providence St. Joseph Orange on July 25, she and her husband weren’t only celebrating a healthy delivery. They were also carrying on a family tradition.

Dakota and her big sister Shyanne, now 16 months old, represent the fourth generation of the Carver family born at Providence St. Joseph.

The legacy began in 1938 with the birth of Donna Carver, who would go on to deliver six children at Providence St. Joseph: Christine, Michael, Mark, Carol, Kevin and Kenneth. Then, in 1990, Michael welcomed a daughter of his own, KaSondra, as well as son Austin, 17 months later. With the debut of Shyanne and now Dakota, Providence St. Joseph Hospital has become an even more deeply treasured part of the Carver family history.

“We’ve always been taken care of here,” reflects KaSondra. “Every experience, every encounter we’ve had has been great. It’s nice to have a personal relationship with these caregivers.”

KaSondra’s aunt, Carol Suchy, MSN, RN, IBCLC, is carrying on the family legacy in a different way as manager of the hospital’s Mother-Baby Unit, as well as the Obstetrics High-Risk Unit.

Carol is delighted to have supported her niece as both a caregiver and a family member. “She was on my unit,” says Carol. “I was there for her, and just as excited as they were to be a part of that special time in their lives.”

Their family has deep roots in the city of Orange and has long emphasized the value of supporting the community through Providence St. Joseph Hospital. Carol tells the story of her grandfather coming to Orange in 1919 and helping the Sisters of St. Joseph. Another family member was involved in putting the cross on the building.

For the two Carver women, that relationship is just as inspiring today as it was a century ago. “I feel like the work that the Sisters do is my mission,” Carol says. “It’s not a job. It’s a vocation that I want to continue. I think that at Providence St. Joseph, the caregivers really believe in the mission.”

Both KaSondra and Carol are enthusiastic about the new Helen Caloggero Women’s and Family Center, breaking ground this year. The center will bring mother-baby services currently at nine different locations to one central unit.

“I’m the type of person that likes to go to doctor’s appointments where I’m secure and safe, knowing that all my resources are in one place,” says KaSondra.

Her aunt concurs, expressing her gratitude to Marsha and the other benefactors who made the new facility possible. “A big thanks for understanding the importance of this journey for women — making it the best possible experience and easing their way through this incredible time in their lives.”

After all, they know from experience: It’s a legacy that will last for generations to come.