Home Bids Fond Farewell to Retiring Staff

Saying goodbye is never easy. Just ask two staff who retired last month with nearly 60 years of health care experience between them.

“I loved my job. I found it very rewarding,” explains Sheila Harrison, a member of the Housekeeping Department at Helen Henderson Care Centre who retired in August 2025 after 24 years of service. “When I left work at the end of the day, I was proud of what I had accomplished.”

Located in Amherstview, Helen Henderson Care Centre is a popular retirement lodge and long-term care (LTC) home for approximately 170 residents. Sheila is one of two staff members who retired that month. The other is Penny Cunningham, a Personal Support Worker (PSW) who has worked at the home for more than 35 years.

“It’s a mixed feeling,” says Penny about her plans. “It’s sad because I will miss the residents and staff who have become friends. A resident started crying when they heard I was leaving which was touching. I have enjoyed my time in health care, but I am also looking forward to spending more time sewing, baking, quilting and babysitting.”

Penny talks about her time at the home with pride and nostalgia. She started as a Nurse’s Aide in 1990 and then trained as a Health Care Aide. Her title was changed to PSW when Health Care Aides were grandfathered into a new system. Now 68 years old, the proud mother of three children and six grandchildren calls her retirement bittersweet.

“Some days I’m okay with my decision to retire, other days I’m sad that it’s coming to an end,” she admits. “It’s the right decision for me. I’ve leaving with my health, a lot of good memories and pride in a job well-done.”

“All-in-all, I’m happy with my work and my career,” she continues. “When I started, I was only looking for part-time work. It quickly became a full-time job that I enjoyed. It’s rewarding to be a PSW, you learn a lot. I’m grateful to the home for the opportunity to work here. It gave me a reason to get up in the morning. People needed me.”

Asked about advice she would share with new front line health care workers, she notes, “Try to be understanding of the residents and to take their feelings into consideration. An issue might be minor to you, but it’s big to them. Also, try to enjoy your job. LTC residents have a lot to teach you.”

Speaking on behalf of the home, Administrator Lisa Gibson notes, “Penny should be proud of her ability to connect with residents and their families over the past 35 years. Her name is often spoken with praise and admiration by our residents and their loved ones, which is telling of her compassion. I would like to wish Penny all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”

This sentiment is echoed by the home’s Director of Care, Sue Reynolds, who says, “We wish Penny well on her new adventure and hopes she takes some well-deserved time for herself and to enjoy her amazing family. Her many years with us have shown what a big heart Penny has, and she will leave a big void for many here at the home. Happy quilting, Penny!”

A few years younger than Penny at 64 years old, Sheila doesn’t embrace retirement like Penny. Recent health issues forced the friendly woman to make the change.

“This is not how I wanted to go out, at all,” Sheila admits. “My mind says I’m young enough and can do the job, but my body says no. I have shed a lot of tears over this because I felt connected to the residents. I didn’t want to leave this way. I’m going to miss the residents and staff.”

Sheila admits she doesn’t have any plans for her retirement because the concept is still new to her, and she is still trying to figure it out.

“I have no plans right now,” she says. “I’m just going day-to-day and trying to get my health back on track.”

“It’s hard to believe we are also saying goodbye to Sheila Harrison in Housekeeping this month,” adds the administrator. “Shelia took pride in her work and went above and beyond to ensure our home was clean, tidy, and impeccably maintained. I am saddened that her retirement plans arose out of health issues. I hope she can find rest and enjoyment in her hard-earned retirement years. She will be greatly missed.”

“Sheila has been a fixture on Joyce Faye Terrace since it opened,” adds Sue. “Her dedication to the home, staff and residents are valued. Sheila wore her heart on her sleeve. Even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when we had to wear masks, her smile always lit up the home. We wish Shelia a wonderful and relaxing retirement!