Three and a half centuries of persistent operation
St. Hedwig Senior Center Celebrates Long-Standing Employees
St. Hedwig Senior Center, a highly respected institution in society known for care, love, appreciation, and excellent nursing quality, recently held a special event to honour its long-serving employees. The Jubilee Celebration was a heartfelt tribute to individuals who have dedicated their careers to the center, with a combined service totaling an impressive 350 years.
Melanie Schröder, Regina Kristan, Michael Weißelstein, Christiane Bußmann, Özbay Nurten, Barbara Rüffer-Eyigöz, Sandra Van den Heuvel, Silvia Brügemann, Bettina Juppa-Steffan, Afrodite Batsara, Julia Kossowski, Silke Pruss, Sabrina Schneider, Nadine Lücke, Sevda Erkan, Sascha Rüsenberg, Cindy Kahlert, and Gabriele Ziesler were among the honorees who have each served at the senior center for varying lengths of time, from 10 to 40 years.
The event began with a breakfast and a champagne reception, followed by a cozy get-together where colleagues reminisced about memories from decades of working together. The management team, led by Tanja Tasche and Tim Hetzel, presented the honorees with a bouquet of roses and chocolates, expressing their gratitude for the honorees' long-standing loyalty and dedication to the senior center.
Tim Hetzel, in his speech, acknowledged the rarity of spending one's entire career at one place in today's world. He thanked the honorees for their exceptional commitment and service, particularly highlighting Father Frederick Kochan, who served as an associate pastor at St. Hedwig Parish before becoming its pastor.
Father Kochan's contributions to the senior center were significant. His deep commitment to pastoral care, his role during crises such as providing refuge during Superstorm Sandy, and his enduring presence as a beloved spiritual leader both in Wilmington and in his retirement community were all celebrated. His legacy reflects decades of loving service to parishioners, fostering community connections, and embodying the Gospel values through his lifestyle and ministry.
Even after retirement, Father Kochan remained active in parish life, often returning to support his former parish and providing inspiration through his example of devout service and frugality. His story serves as a testament to the nature of the honorees' impact: strong personal dedication, spiritual leadership, and service to the elderly and local community, fitting the Jubilee's theme of celebrating long-standing commitment and contributions in faith and community life.
The management team looks forward to future projects and successes with the honorees, expressing their hope for continued dedication and service at St. Hedwig Senior Center. The event was a poignant reminder of the center's rich history and the exceptional individuals who have contributed to its success.
- St. Hedwig Senior Center, in addition to their renowned care services, is also known for promoting a lifestyle that reflects Gospel values, as seen in Father Kochan's home-and-garden, where he continues to cultivate a spirit of devotion and frugality.
- In the spirit of Father Kochan's legacy, the honorees have dedicated their careers to creating a lifestyle at St. Hedwig Senior Center that embodies love, appreciation, and strong commitment to the home-and-garden of their community.
