Episcopal Church Women

Paula Beltrana Velasquez de Orocopey

Province IX – Diocese of Venezuela

Paula Beltrana Velasquez de Orocopey grew up living with her father and six siblings in the State of Sucre until age 15 when she moved to Puerto la Cruz for work, eventually marrying and raising seven children. As a young girl she became involved in social, community and religious activities, working for many improvements in community public services, including the construction of houses in her town of Puerto La Cruz.

When the Anglican Church began a mission called San Migue Arangel in the the Las Charas sector, Paula became a committed and enthusiastic member; she worked to acquire space in the Reading Room of the sector so the church could carry on its activities, religious and social. When the space was lost due to remodeling, Paula graciously offered use of her home so the mission could continue to function; she has served as treasurer, coordinator of Women in Mission, member of the prayer group, stewardship committee and as a minor guardian, in addition to organizing many fund raising events for Mission San Miguel Arcangel.

Haydee Alicea Ruiz

Province IX – Diocese of Puerto Rico

Doña Haydee as we affectionately call her, is a committed and creative leader for Evangelism and social works, in her parish of San Pablo. Her achievements are many: she assists the Vicar in various activities of visiting the sick or identifying needs in different communities.

Led by Dona Haydee, our Church created   Ministry of Social Action, inspired by the needs identified in the towns of Arecibo and Hatillo, where she resides, and meeting those needs in collaboration with other near-by financial and material resources.

Perhaps her greatest joy is this: Every year Dona Haydee prepares an event celebrating the 15^th birthdays of several young women chosen from different communities – a dream come true for young girls who might not have imagined living that long.

This event reveals the spirit, leadership, commitment, and achievement of this masterful planner, including building community and brotherly love with each other and in collaboration with other local charitable organizations.

With Doña Haydee’s efforts, this event confirms God’s abiding presence to families with an unimagined opportunity to praise their daughters. The Episcopal Church Women Diocese of Puerto Rico proudly nominate Mrs. Haydee Alicea Ruiz as the Distinguished Woman of the Diocese of Puerto Rico for the Triennial 2022.

Sandra Ann Bedard

Province VIII – Diocese of San Diego

Sandra Bedard was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1940. She was raised Episcopalian from age six, First Communion/Confirmation age 12.

Member, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Diocese of El Camino Real – 35 years. Member, ECW at St Andrews: Guild Meetings, Thrift Store volunteer. Other volunteering: Sunday School Teacher, Room Mother, PTA, Little League Team Mother, Brownie/Girl Scout Leader.

From 2000 on in Ramona, CA, attended St. Mary’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church: ECW WOSM President 9 times, Chair: international prayer quilt group – Prayers & Squares, Choir, Altar & Flower Guilds, Chalice Bearer, Children’s Theater, Bible Studies, Annual Bazaar, Silent Auction, Chili Cook-Off, Pancake Breakfast, Quiche making, Youth Ministry, ECW Convention Delegate several times, Triennial Delegate twice. Received two grants for church irrigation and plants.

Sandra is called by God to serve. Sandra always has a smile and kind word for everyone. Anytime volunteers are requested, she steps up. Sandra is a wonderful friend, extremely hardworking, and is well deserving of the title: Episcopal Church Women Distinguished Woman.