Recent retirees from Sunnyhill Nursing Home combined have more than a century of service

On Oct. 11, three long time employees of Sunnyhill Nursing Home celebrated their retirement with 118 years of combined service.

“We are so thankful for the service from these wonderful, dedicated employees and wish them a healthy retirement,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh, who oversees the nursing home. “We will miss their smiles, energy and service to the residents.”

Shelly Hester, worked for 39 years in various roles, most recently in the payroll – HR Department, D.B. Alexander, had a 47 year and nine-month career in the Environmental Services Department and recently was acknowledged as the longest serving employee in the county, and Barb Brown served for 32 years in the Environmental Services Department also. Each has a special reason for her longevity.

“I loved interacting with the residents,” Brown said. “My mother was even a resident here for a couple of years.”

“You step up where you are needed” said Hester who was always willing to help others and put this into action when she cooked during one of the worst snowstorms in Chicago history.

“It was a lot of fun working at Sunnyhill and I really enjoyed the residents,” Alexander said.

When asked what she plans to do in her retirement, Alexander said, “any and everything I can.”

Maggie McDowell, Administrator at Sunnyhill, said it is not uncommon for employees of the nursing home to have long careers and this kind of overall longevity.

“Historically, Sunny Hill has been very fortunate to experience such staff commitment and longevity being a norm,” she said. “These particular staff members collectively declared they have enjoyed one common thread, that of having had the honor to serve our residents and experience the opportunity to develop many lasting friendships and relationships over the years.”

Sunnyhill Nursing Home offers resident-centered care in a newly renovated facility located in Joliet. For more information about these services, call 815-727-8710.