Santa Teresita opened in 1930 as a TB sanatorium and the dear young women whom we cared for are affectionately known as the “Primarosas”- the first roses of Santa Teresita.

Lucile Perez, was one of Santa Teresita’s early boarders at our Sanatorium in the 1940s. “I spent many happy days here,” recalls Lucile. “The sisters would bring your meals to your bed unless you were well enough to get up on your own. I even graduated from high school here. Of course, it didn’t look like it does now.”

Growing up in the 1930s and 40s and being diagnosed with tuberculosis was not a pleasant experience as there was yet no cure. Many spent time in TB sanatoriums to heal and recover if the disease process was not too bad.

Recently, Lucile Perez came to live here at Santa Teresita as one of our beloved residents. She finds it hard to believe that she is back at “Teresita.” “I knew all the sisters; they were our nurses. I lived on many of the wings….Loyola, Avila, all of them…even Monte Carmelo! And that’s where I’ve ended up again!” she said smiling. Lucile has a treasured photo album of her days at “Teresita.”

Because they could not go to school full time, they attended classes provided by teachers at the SantatorIum. “I was 21 when I graduated in 1946 because we took our time to get through classes. Mother Margarita Maria gave me my diploma. I remember when we were practicing in the chapel for our graduation ceremony that all the girls got the giggles!”

We thank God for the opportunity to be at the service of Life… from our early days to the present! For many, Santa Teresita is STILL another name for HOME- and we are happy to welcome Lucile back home!!