Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Helen Hoy was going to attend the Our Lady of Kosciusko contest anyway to crown this year's first runner-up.
The tables were turned on the Hungarian-born woman when she was given the first place honors Thursday.
Hoy was named first runner-up last year when Elsie Free of Milford was crowned. Free turned the tables on Hoy this year, nominating her for the award.
Our Lady of Kosciusko recognizes senior women for their achievements. Nominations are presented through letters written by family or friends.
There were only two letters received this year - Free's letter about Hoy and a letter from Bobi Brumfield, Warsaw, naming Doris Todd, who was named first runner-up.
"I'm over-thrilled," Hoy said about her latest title. "JB would be so proud."
JB is Hoy's late husband, and he would be proud. Hoy attends most of the Kosciusko County commissioner and council meetings and is not shy about speaking up.
"There should have been more competition," she said. "We ought to be able to honor more senior women than just one or two of us."
Hoy is a talented seamstress, quilter and craftperson, according to Free's letter, and has several entries in the Home and Family Arts Building this year.
Although retired, she is a teacher's aide, is involved in Junior Achievement and volunteers for the Beaman Home. Next year she will be vice president of her Kiwanis Club.
Hoy is a member of the North Webster Church of God and the Philanthropic Society for the Education of Women.
First runner-up Doris Todd, Warsaw, was born and raised in Whitley County and has spent most of her adult life in Kosciusko County.
She was installed as Worthy Matron of the Warsaw Eastern Star this year.
She is a volunteer at the Learning Center as an English-as-a-second-language tutor, according to Brumfield's letter. She is an active member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church and attends United Methodist Women meetings.
She is the mother of three children, grandmother of five and great-grandmother of two.
