The 12th presentation by the Episcopal Church Women of Honored Women in the Diocese of Louisiana recognized Virginia Blanke, Ella Rose Gray and Shiela MacArthur for "their ministry and service in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ." The women were aknowledged at the 121st ECW Annual Gathering on April 12, 2008 at Christ Church, Slidell.

Virginia Blanke is a stalwart member of St. Michael’s, Mandeville. Her ministries display her diverse talents and interests. The children of St. Michael’s Pre-school know her as chef “execellente” as she prepares the meals for the children every school day. They know and love her friendship and culinary skills. She has been an active member of the ECW at St. Michael’s.

She also headed the church’s singles group for several years. She is a member of the parish Grief Committee helping those who are coping with the loss of a loved one. She served faithfully on St. Michael’s vestry and held a term as Junior Warden. She helped establish the parish¹s Recovery Ministry and was a driving force for its work. She also worked with the Recovery Ministry at the diocesan level as a sponsor for their Celebration of Life in Recovery events. She was instrumental in the creation of a labyrinth for the church which has been used as a devotional outlet following the ravages of Katrina.

Ella Rose Gray is a longtime and devoted member of St. Luke’s, New Orleans.

Her name is synonymous with her parish ECW where she has served for many years. She also is a member the diocesan ECW as liaison to the Partners-In-Mission Committee.  Ella Rose is a retired Ochsner nurse but was busy with church activities while she was still on staff there. She is an abiding presence at St. Luke’s serving faithfully on its Hospitality Committee. A native of Honduras, she headed the Honduran booth at the church’s popular International Food Festival which was held annually before Katrina. She also has chaired the parish¹s annual Homecoming event which is held in the fall. Her primary devotion, however, is found at the altar where she serves as a member of St. Luke¹s Altar Guild. Her work with the Partners-In-Mission Committee has been invaluable as a resource with the diocese¹s companion relationship with the Copan Deanery in Honduras. Her quiet, spiritual demeanor is reflected in her avocation as a poet.

Shiela MacArthur, Ph. D., has been a dedicated member of Christ Church, Slidell, since the 1970s. Now retired, Shiela was a gifted teacher of English and Drama at Slidell High School. She maintained her interest for students by teaching English as a Second Language for the St. Tammany Literacy Association. Shiela was president of Christ Church’s ECW during and after Katrina, guiding its ministry activities during that tumultuous time.

As a cancer survivor, she is an inspiration and support to many women. Among her duties in the parish, perhaps most important was her diligent service on the Search Committee for a New Rector which brought Fr. Grantz to their church. She is a faithful member of the Altar Guild and was instrumental in forming the church¹s Junior Altar Guild for young members of the parish. She is a lector on Sundays and is a member of the parish Martha Committee helping those with special needs. She also supervises the church¹s Food Bank as an outreach ministry to the community. She serves at the diocesan level as ECW Northshore Deanery chairperson. She is truly a woman to emulate.