Et cetera : Activity Coordinator Mary Simnacher Retires From VGH Nursing and Rehab

Jessica Birker and Mary Simnacher stand by the plant donated in honor of Mary upon her retirement.

The cake says it all at Mary Simnacher's retirement party.

Mary Simnacher thanks the standing room only crowd at Nursing and Rehab on Wednesday

Michelle Schoonover and Julia Meadows wish Mary Simnacher well at her retirement party.

On Wednesday afternoon, May 26, Virginia Gay Hospital Nursing and Rehab hosted a reception to honor retiring Activity Coordinator, Mary Simnacher. After 38 years of service to Virginia Gay, it was no surprise there was a standing room only crowd. “I worked as a nurses’ aide, then in materials and surgery both, and then I went down to PT. So I guess I’ve just about done everything but work in the laundry”, Simnacher said.

Mary Simnacher and Virginia Gay Hospital go back even farther than her 38 working years. She was born at the hospital’s original location on 1st Avenue and 13th street in Vinton more years ago than she cares to admit.

Nurse Manager, Jessica Birker read the crowd excerpts from Mary’s work evaluations over the years. Words past supervisors have used include, “hard working”, “neat”, “organized”, and “truly an asset to the facility”. Birker said, “The one thing I’ve noticed most is the heart and soul that you have used to make this place home for the people who live here”. Birker has worked with Mary for nearly sixteen years.

Mary Simnacher has a connection to not only her co-workers, but the residents of Nursing and Rehab as well. It’s not just a job to her. “These people are like family to me”, she said, pointing around the room. “This lady was the school secretary, and she was in my class in school”, she added as her eyes welled up.

Assistant Activity Coordinator, Linda Rouse said, “It’s going to be a lot different without her. We’re all going to miss her to death”. “She’s so full of energy. She looks like she’s going to drop, then just takes off again”, she added. Rouse said it will take some getting used to, but she’s glad Mary is taking the time off while she’s still able to. “We don’t want her to go, but we want her to stop and enjoy her retirement while she can. She’s worked for it, she deserves it. She’s earned it.” Rouse has worked with Mary for the past three years.

While it may take some time to adjust to her new schedule, or rather, lack of one. She told the crowd, “I love all you guys.” And then she added, “I live on 2nd street and the coffee pot’s always on”.

Reader Comments:

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We're grateful for Mary's TLC with one of each of our parents while they were residents of VG Annex. Her kindly, respectful manner with all the residents has been a joy!