Carondelet Legacy Stories
Celebrating 145 Years
Carondelet has a long and rich history that spans decades. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the congregation was originally established in France. The Sisters came to the United States in 1836 to serve the diocese in Carondelet, Missouri.
In 1870, seven Sisters of St. Joseph traveled from San Diego to Tucson to open a school. In 1880, the Sisters opened St. Mary’s Hospital, Arizona’s first hospital. In 1961, they opened St. Joseph’s Hospital to provide services for Tucson’s growing east side. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet began managing Holy Cross in 1981 and assumed ownership in 1987.
Linda Frederick’s Inspiring Career at St. Mary’s Hospital
Linda Frederick, RN (Clinical Nurse Lead, Surgery, Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital), will soon celebrate 45 years of service to Carondelet Health Network. Her first day with us in 1980 was when we celebrated our 100th anniversary.
Linda was born at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital and spent four weeks there as an ill child. She overcame her illness and returned to Carondelet St. Mary’s as an employee working as a nurse tech. From there, she went to nursing school and became an influential associate there. Linda has also worked as a nursing recruiter, nursing manager, and OR Charge Nurse. Not only has her expertise touched many roles, but she has also worked at each of our Carondelet Health Network Hospitals and Emergency Centers.
Linda shared:
St. Mary’s is a considerable piece of southern Arizona’s history, and their experiences have impacted people’s lives. I am one. Phyllis Ethridge was a key influence in my career and helped me grow in my experience and learn much. The amount of growth I have been able to have here is amazing. St. Mary’s Hospital is a huge part of my history. Thank you, Linda, for sharing your story and being a committed Carondelet Health Network employee. We are lucky to have you.