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How do you explain a Jewish nurse volunteering to work at a Catholic camp in the backwoods of South Carolina? Yes... God does work in mysterious ways!
When Father William Pentis first asked Irysse about being the nurse at Camp, she reminded him that she was not Catholic, but instead Jewish. Father William deadpanned, "Well, I think a Jewish nurse could put on band-aids just like a Catholic nurse." That moment was the beginning of Irysse's 20 year involvement in Camp.
Irysse was born and raised in New York. She chose nursing as a career and became a Registered Nurse. She married Bill Crimmins, and they moved to Rock Hill, SC to raise a family. Through Bill -- who was active in St. Anne's Parish -- she met Father William and was introduced to Camp. Despite her dislike for bugs and critters, Irysse agreed to volunteer as the Camp Nurse. She always served with a smile on her face, and her laugh brightened the day of both Campers and Counselors. She was especially proud of spending time at Camp with her grandchildren.
Irysse was diagnosed with ALS in 2009 and died in February 2012. The Crimmins Family has established a scholarship fund in her memory at York Technical College.
In the Kitchen (circa 2002) - From left to right, Irysse Crimmins, Christine Palombi, Dominique May.
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