GORE BAY—It is clear that Laurie Turley will be missed by fellow staff members and residents of the Manitoulin Lodge Nursing Home in Gore Bay for the 40 years of dedicated and caring service she provided as a personal support worker at the Lodge.
“I would like to state a warm welcome to all residents, team members, staff and friends here today as we celebrate and recognize our long-time friend Laurie Turley, who is retiring,” stated Jaime Lynn-Kalmikov, administrator of the Manitoulin Lodge last Thursday.
“As of May 25, 40 years go Laurie started her career at the Lodge,” said Ms. Kalmikov. “I have only known you a relatively short period of time, but I have been amazed at the care and commitment you have for your job as a PSW. You have been the go-to person for PSW staff training and education and making sure new PSWs get started off in the right direction.”
“I always relied on your opinion and bring forward ideas and offering ways that improvements could be made,” said Ms. Kalmikov. “You have been one of the leaders of Lodge and making sure that the residents are very well cared for and feel loved. And I always loved it when you broke out into a song. We miss seeing you everyday.”
Heather Weatherbee, a PSW stated that Ms. Turley, “Is one of the most caring, kind and compassionate people I’ve ever known. She also went above and beyond for the residents and her coworkers always said she was the best to work with.”
“You have definitely been an asset to the nursing home residents and our team,” said Ms. Weatherbee. “Laurie makes a difference with her smile, laugh and caring. You have provided 40 years of dedication, compassion and caring to the Manitoulin Lodge and everyone you have made contact with over the years.”
A special video tribute was then shown, made for Ms. Turley by her friends, colleagues, residents and their family at Manitoulin Lodge. It described what she meant to all of them over the years. The words ‘amazing,’ ‘dedicated’ and ‘compassionate’ were some of the many words used by everyone to describe Ms. Turley.
One of those was Gloria Hall, activities coordinator at the Lodge. “I wish you the best of congratulations on your retirement and hope you will now have the time to do the things that you have always wanted to do but never had the time for. Thank you for your care, compassion, and helping to make the Lodge an enjoyable place to work.”
Ms. Hall used Ms. Turley’s first name in explaining, “the letters in your name show who you are. L is for loyal, A is for accountable, U is for unflappable, R is for reliable, I is for intelligent and E is for energetic. Put them together and they describe a special person who is wished all the best in retirement.”
“And if you ever get bored, you can always come back and volunteer,” stated Ms. Hall.
One Lodge resident expressed in the video that, “I am very sorry to hear of your retirement, because we are going to miss you so much.”
“It has been a pleasure and an honour to work with someone as passionate, caring and dedicated as you are,” said another co-worker.
Judy Maltais, director of people, enjoyment and culture with Jarlette Health Services (JHS) (who was in attendance at the retirement party last week) said, “I am here on behalf of everyone at JHS. We wish you all the best in your retirement, and your life as you enter this next chapter of your life. Thank you for all your years of dedication, commitment and caring at the Manitoulin Lodge.”
Ms. Weatherbee then read a touching letter and poem to Ms. Turley, one from a co-worker and one from a resident of the Lodge. The resident’s poem titled “One of Us” reads:
I walk the halls
I see the pain,
I live here now
T’was all in vain
I meet someone
Is she my friend?
Will she be with me till the end?
One thing’s for sure,
She cares so much
I feel it in her every touch.
The gentle touch
The warm embrace
I see the love
Upon her face.
She greets me with a warm smile
She knows I’ve been in pain awhile.
Comforts me with soothing words.
My cries of grief have been heard.
Her loving ways will sure be missed.
And so I send a gentle kiss.
It was great to now her gentle glance.
Yes, the angel’s name is Laurie.
“With all of this you can see and feel how much you meant to everyone here,” said Ms. Kalmikov.
Ms. Turley was presented with a gift on behalf of the residents of the Lodge. She also received a bouquet of flowers and a recognition of service plaque from Ms. Kalmikov, on behalf of the Lodge and JHS. The inscription reads, “In acknowledgment of 40 years of service to our residents and the JHS family! We sincerely appreciate your professionalism, expertise and unique contributions. Thank you for making an outstanding difference in the lives of others.”
