In 1910, Antoinette and James Cappiello came to America from Naples, Italy, via Ellis Island and settled in Boston, Massachusetts. Antoinette gave birth in 1923 to our much-loved Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center (PSJMC) Guild member Ollie Vick. When she was just six months old, Ollie traveled by train with her family to California and settled in the Echo Park-Los Feliz area of Los Angeles.

Ollie attended Hollywood High School and then Woodbury Business College. Her first job was as a Bank of America bookkeeper, earning $75 per month. Ollie made a couple of career jumps during and after World War II. She met Ken, her beloved late husband of 64 years, when she took a position with a movie manufacturing company. The couple had one son, Ken Jr., who died tragically of a massive heart attack at age 24.

A lifetime of giving
After losing Ken Jr., the PSJMC Guild and the couple’s many friends sustained them through a very difficult time. Ollie established a charitable gift annuity in Ken Jr.’s name. Since then, she’s added two more and made a bequest to the hospital. Ollie’s contributions go far beyond monetary — she has touched the lives of countless caregivers and team members during her decades of service to the PSJMC Guild.

“I started working at Providence Saint Joseph when my son was in high school,” recalls Ollie. “I loved every minute of it.” She worked in and handled accounting for the gift shop for 53 years. She’s also held nearly every position on the hospital guild, including hospitality chairman, finance director, treasurer, vice president and parliamentarian.

Over her century of life, Ollie reflects with gratitude on her years happily helping others. “I’ve had a wonderful life,” she says. “I’ve made great friends at Providence Saint Joseph, and I’m still friends with most of the ladies.”

Ollie celebrated her 100th birthday on June 1, surrounded by the adoring community that cherishes her presence in their lives.