A while back, a group of us were discussing the first days of P.E.O. and what an amazing organization our Founders created, albeit unknowingly. Can you picture these young collegians marching into chapel wearing custom-made aprons with their big, bright stars positioned bravely over their hearts?
Our discussion led us to present day, where we marveled at the wide variety of ages that now comprise our sisterhood. The experiences of each generation make us different, yet we clasp hands together in sisterly understanding and support while we reach out to help educate the women of the world.
So then we wondered…as our organization moves forward and society continues to change, what characteristics—regardless of age— do P.E.O.s have in common?
We are affected by the state of humanity and are determined to make the world a better place.
Our sisterhood has such age diversity, that some of us remember trying times such as the Great Depression and World War II first hand. The
experiences helped us develop a sense of frugality, while teaching us tolerance and generosity.
“I grew up in Germany during WWII,” Monika said. “After the war, my family received care packages from a family in Missouri. We were so poor and that family sent us packages with soaps, clothing and groceries. It completely changed my mother’s life and, later on, mine. I believe that if you do good, it will come back to you in many ways.”
As an American, Muzzy witnessed a different aspect of the war. “My neighbor, Dr. Kahara, a Japanese American, was sent to an internment camp in Topaz, Utah—leaving his wife and children behind,” she shared. “Seeing the pain caused by the intolerance has made me a more tolerant person.”
And even if we’re so young that we learned about this era from our history books, we’re still old enough to understand that human suffering is all around us.
“Living in Singapore was a real eye opener,” Lindsey said. “Every country around us was a thirdworld country. I saw what we need to survive in this world—and it’s not much.”
The women we admire are purposeful, compassionate and strong—and usually live right next door.
Lindsey says her sister Malissa, aunt Linda and her mom’s friend, Jeannette, were influential women in her life. “My mom died when I was three. My six year-old sister immediately stepped up to protect me. My aunt Linda took us both in and treated us like her own daughters. My mom’s friend, Jeannette, took us to do a lot of kid’s stuff when my mom was sick—activities that didn’t have the word ‘cancer’ in them.”
Karen admires her friend, Toni. “I don’t think she’s in my life by accident,” she shared. “She’s everything you would want in a friend and everything you would aspire to be yourself.”
Debbie credits her mother for teaching her how to put people first and keep a playful perspective on the drudgery of daily chores. “We have a saying in our family,” she said. “People are more important than things—but every now and then you’ve got to dust!”
Joan and Muzzy both admire their grandmothers. Muzzy says her grandmother walked 1,000 miles across the plains with the pioneers when she was 12. “She made a vow to never ride in the wagon. She influenced the woman I am today.”
“My grandmother was strong and determined and we all looked up to her,” Joan said. “She was a spunky woman. She came to my wedding in Idaho 49 years ago when she was 81. She didn’t want to fly. So she
took the train—from Dayton!”
We understand and embrace our innate ability to nurture others.
“We have a desire to love and to be loved,” Lindsey said. “We care for our own families, but also for those that we don’t even know.”
“Women of all generations value family and understand its importance— whether it’s immediate family, extended family or P.E.O. family,” Karen said.
“We share a lot of things,” Monika said, “but I think we strive to be the best we can be by doing good things for other people.”
“Our common ground is to care for others as well as ourselves,” Muzzy said. “God gave us that desire—to love and to nurture.”
Representing the Millennial Generation
(born between 1981-2001)
Lindsey Turnau, Chapter P, Houston, Texas
Lindsey is a third generation P.E.O. and was initiated into Chapter FS, Bay City, Texas, slightly more than two years ago—right before her husband was transferred to Southeast Asia. She connected with other P.E.O. sisters in Singapore and has always found “instant friends” in P.E.O. communities during temporary moves. Now that she’s settled in Houston, she’s found a great chapter to call home.
“There are 12 of us under the age of 30 in Chapter P,” the 26-year-old sister said. “They have become my best friends.”
Representing Generation X
(born between 1961-1980)
Karen Brunton, Chapter FL, Northville, Michigan
Karen became a P.E.O. almost 12 years ago when a “dear friend” introduced her to the sisters of Chapter AI, Plymouth, Michigan. Since then, she has helped organize a chapter and has held the offices of guard, corresponding secretary and vice president. Karen is 44 years old and works full-time in information technology for GM OnStar.
Representing theBaby Boomers
(born between 1946-1960)
Debbie Rogers, Chapter F, Memphis, Tennessee
Debbie comes from a strong P.E.O. heritage beginning with her great-grandmother who was initiated at the turn of the century. She is a past state president for Tennessee State Chapter and currently serves as the Eastern Region’s Membership Representative for International Chapter’s Membership Team. Debbie is 52 years old, married and has four children.
RepresentingTraditionalists
(born before and up to 1945)
Monika Dowell, Chapter HU, Burlington, Iowa
Born in Bavaria, 69-year-old Monika came to the United States to work for a family in Princeton, New Jersey, before marrying her husband and settling in Burlington, Iowa. Initiated in 2001, Monika said she was “honored and thrilled” to become a P.E.O. “I’m in a large chapter and everyone is wonderful,” she said. “P.E.O. has helped me a lot in my life.”
Joan Nabors, Chapter L, Salt Lake City, Utah
Joan, 73, was still working parttime four years ago when a good friend took her to a Founders’ Day program. A year and several social events later, Joan accepted the invitation to membership and immediately became an active part of Chapter L. Today, she is the president of the reciprocity group. “We’ve developed deep friendships and do a lot of things together outside of P.E.O.,” she said. “It’s been very enjoyable.”
Edith (Muzzy) Fallentine, Chapter AE, Sandy, Utah
95-year-old Muzzy still hosts holiday meals for her family, complete with table linens and fine china. In addition to her family, she enjoys spending time in her beautifully landscaped yard where she plants lots of flowers. Muzzy became a P.E.O. after her daughter, Carolyn Gilstrap, went on the Utah State executive board. “I wish I would have done it sooner because I enjoy it so very much,” she said.
