Two area women recognized at Catholic Woman of the Year Banquet

ROCKFORD – The Rockford Deanery Council of Catholic Women sponsored the 24th Annual Catholic Woman of the Year Banquet to honor eighteen Women of Inspiration on Sunday night, Jan. 31, at Rockford’s Giovanni’s Restaurant. Two women from the Gazette reading area, Sue Benters of St. Mary’s Church, Pecatonica, and Lorraine Vormezeele of St. Mary’s Church, Durand, each brought a large following of supporters to the banquet.

Lorraine and her husband Bob have farmed in the Durand area for 57 years. She has been a member of the churches’ St. Anne’s CCW for 50 years which has both responsibilities inside and out. While Lorraine dedicated herself to the church, she also raised six children.

Sue Benters has been involved in every aspect of church life for the last 20 plus years as she and husband, Kurt, raised two sons. She has been a lector for mass, a CCD teacher, a program coordinator, and a major worker for the fall turkey dinner. Outside of church, Sue has been active in the fan’s club and Pecatonica Woman’s Club.

Sue Benters of St. Mary’s Church in Pecatonica receives her “Woman of the Year” plaque from Very Bishop David Malloy as the annual banquet.

Lorraine Vormezeele of St. Mary’s Church in Durand receives her “Woman of the Year” Plaque from Very Rev Bishop David Malloy at the annual banquet. Kay DeMarco photos