LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — When there is a need, Jefferson Award winner Heera Shenoy steps up to fill it—never seeking thanks in return.
“I feel like my all responsibility in life is over. Son is married, well settled, so instead of waiting for my death, I feel like I should be some use to the community,” said Heera Shenoy, the 2025 Jefferson Award winner.
Shenoy can be found volunteering in many ways at Mercy Health–St. Rita’s. In her native India, Heera means "diamond," which is fitting, as those who know her call her a gem for her years of service to the Lima community and the hospital.
“Because I worked here, I know the people, and healthcare is the one I really like to work [in], even though it is sometimes sad working at [the] Cancer Center, but I feel like if I can make their life little easier than what it is, I can do it,” Shenoy added.
Sara Heitmeyer first met Shenoy at the front desk at St. Rita’s, but when the hospital needed more volunteers, all it took was a simple ask, and Shenoy stepped up.
“And she started volunteering at our thrift shop at the cancer center. But as I got to know her more and more, she does so much more than help at St. Rita’s. She also is helping out in the community. She is taking Haitians to help get them schooling credentials, and she’s helping with clothing. You know, she sees a need. She is going to be the first one to jump in, and she wants no recognition whatsoever for it,” said Heitmeyer, who nominated Shenoy for the Jefferson Award.
Shenoy, who came to the United States in 1982 with little money, recalls the struggles her family faced.
“We came in 1982, had no money, and struggled a lot. Our son was two and a half years old. We had a murmur of the heart, and so many things had to be taken care of. So, I can totally understand when others go through the difficulty of not having things or not having money. So, I feel like I still remember my past. So, I feel like I should try to help them get out of their mess,” she said.
Her giving spirit continues to bless those in need.
“We feel like we have no problems in life. When we come and work here, volunteer here, other people have [a] lot more problems than we have, and it is like a social get-together a little bit also with other volunteers, because almost all are older people here, most of the volunteers,” Shenoy said.
