Community Corner
2015 Woman of Distinction Dr. Josephine Velazquez Rucquoi
Darien resident to be honored at May 7 luncheon at Woodway Country Club.
“Dr. Jo”, as most of her patients call this local podiatrist, generously supports just about everyone she meets. Her many acts of kindness are countless, as she has opened her heart and home to many, providing care, transportation, prayer and financial help to those in need.
As a doctor, she cares for much more than her patients’ feet. She listens to them, provides relief, gives hope that what ails them will get better, and even offers them the comfort of prayer. Rita Ferri, principal of Hindley School where Josie’s three children attended elementary school wrote, “Josie is a kind and caring physician. She travels to nursing homes and gives her love and attention abundantly to the elderly patients who eagerly await her visits. She spends time to know her patients well and treats them with dignity and great care.”
Josie’s generosity extends far beyond her practice as a physician. Her home is a welcoming refuge for young people who are struggling and her caring support has included fostering three little girls in addition to raising her own children.
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Dr. Jo, along with Dr. Maryann Lehmann and two other doctors, founded Doctors4Darien, a group that educates the community about healthy living through local forums. She also runs road races as part of promoting a healthy lifestyle. She has contributed important information to presentations at The Depot, and acts as a role model for young women, working as an Elder in the Hope Church with teens and singles.
She has worked as a Civil Air Patrol leader and regularly participates in events at the Carver Center in Norwalk, the annual Veterans’ share at Hindley elementary school and Veteran’s Day parades, marching in her Air Force uniform.
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Maryann Lehmann, one of the many people who have nominated Josephine, said, “Helping others… To say that this is the theme of Josie’s life is an understatement…we should be proud to have Dr. Josephine Velazquez as part of our community…”
The 6th Annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards and Luncheon are taking place on May 7 at Woodway Country Club from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at ywcadariennorwalk.org, by calling 203-655-2535, or in person at the YWCA Darien/Norwalk office at 49 Old Kings Highway North in Darien.
