Stanford Settlement’s Executive Director in Accident

Sister Jeanne Felion / Courtesy Photo

BY BRANDY TUZON BOYD
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
Updated with new information June 22, 2013

Publisher’s note: After undergoing surgery for pelvic fractures, Sr. Jeanne Felion was discharged Friday, June 21 from the UC Davis Medical Center to Eskaton Manzanita for rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Stanford Settlement’s executive director Sister Jeanne Felion is awaiting surgery after being seriously injured late last week in a vehicle accident.

Felion was driving to Stanford Settlement from a Natomas Rotary Club meeting at about 8:16 a.m. Friday, June 14 when her vehicle was hit broadside by a sport utility vehicle. The accident occurred at the intersection of East Commerce Way and Arena Boulevard in north Natomas.

According to police, Felion had to be extricated from her vehicle by the fire department and was transported to a Sacramento-area hospital with serious injuries.

As of Monday night, Felion remained hospitalized in an intensive care unit awaiting surgery for pelvic bone fractures, said Julie Rhoten, program coordinator at Stanford Settlement. In addition to the pelvic injury, Felion also suffered a lacerated bladder, facial fracture and has more than four dozen stitches for other cuts suffered during the crash.

Stanford Settlement Assistant Director Pat Pennisi reported that while Felion remains hospitalized, she is alert and in good spirits. She is currently not seeing visitors, Pennisi added.

“She’s one of the strongest women I know,” said Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna. “We’re going to look forward to a full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with her.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her.”

Felion recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of her commitment as a Sister of Social Service. She has served as executive director at Stanford Settlement for more than 37 years where she works with individuals and families from the Gardenland-Northgate, North Sacramento, and Natomas communities.

“Sister Jeanne has given her entire life to the service of people in our community,” Sacramento Vice Mayor Angelique Ashby said. “Tonight our hearts go out to her with prayers for a full recovery so that she may soon return to the community that both needs and loves her. God speed.”

Pennisi said Felion will remain at Stanford Settlement’s helm as she recovers from her injuries, giving direction and guidance with support from her staff and Board of Trustees.

“I just saw Sister Jeanne at the Stanford Settlement’s annual dinner. She is a force of nature… for good in our community,” Sacramento City Councilman Steve Cohn said. “While we await her full recovery, we all need to pitch in a little more to make up for her temporary absence.”

Sister Jeanne Felion is not currently seeing visitors. For updates on her condition or more information, contact the Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center at (916) 927-1303.

“Go Fore It!” Swing 4 Stanford Settlement

Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center presents their annual golf tournament fundraiser on Thursday, June 20 at Teal Bend Golf Club. Registration opens at 11:00 a.m. with complimentary range balls and boxed lunch. Shotgun start-four person scramble format, followed by no-host cocktails at 6:30 p.m., raffle & silent auction at 7 p.m., and the awards dinner at 7:30 p.m. More info here.