Gail Chase receiving Lifetime Achievement Award from Ed Pontius in honor of her husband, Stevan Gressitt
On June 3rd at Unity College Center Performing Arts Center, there was a wonderful and moving celebration of Dr. Stevan Gressitt’s life with family, friends and colleagues. Stories were shared by those present resulting in fond memories, laughs and some tears. His beloved wife, Gail Chase was very gracious and touched by the love and respect shown to her and Stevan. Dr. Gressitt was an active member of MAPP and the APA for many years in a number of supporting and leadership roles and his commitment to the practice of psychiatry, his patients and his community were greatly appreciated. During the gathering, Dr. Pontius, on behalf of MAPP presented Gail with an award as a small token of appreciation for his work with us. She expressed the following:
“I am writing to thank you, as sincerely and as deeply as I know how, for your friendship and support as I met a new reality with the surprising death of my husband Stevan. Your notes and cards, hugs and kisses, telephone calls and visits, help and conversation, were moving and humbling. There must be a stronger word than friendship to describe how you changed sorrow into joy. That’s some serious emotional alchemy, and you are all amazing practitioners.”
With love,
Gail M. Chase