The Belle of St. Luke’s

More than 40 volunteers and employees from St. Luke Medical Center made a joyous noise Wednesday, ringing bells from the personal collection of Rosa Johnson in a tribute to her 40 years of volunteer service.

“I’m overwhelmed,” said Johnson, who has a collection of 3,000 bells from around the world. “I never dreamed of being honored for this because I enjoy what I do. I hope I can give another 20 years.”

Known as “Mama” Rosa to her colleagues and the hundreds of patients she has assisted over the years, Johnson has been an ambassador of healing and cross-cultural understanding since 1957. She is one of 170 St. Luke’s volunteers.

“Our volunteers dedicate about 25,000 hours a year,” said Mark Uffer, St. Luke’s chief executive officer. “They are a very important part of the hospital that many people overlook.”

In addition to being a spiritual inspiration and a hospital interpreter of several languages, including Spanish, Italian and Portuguese, she has opened her home to more than 350 foreign students in cultural exchanges.

Currently, an 18-year-old Turkish student lives with Johnson and her husband, Kim, in their Altadena home.

“I have a special feeling for people,” Johnson said. “Volunteering not only helps others but it helps oneself. It teaches one to respect all creeds and nationalities.”