Annette Warren’s job for the past 15 years has been to assist residents at a long-term care home in Amherstview. As soon as she started her job, it was a labour of love.

Speaking from Helen Henderson Care Centre in Amherstview, the 71-year-old reflects on her career as a Recreation Professional and her impending retirement on June 15.

“It’s hard to leave, but it’s time to retire,” she says from the accredited home in late May 2021. “I’m really going to miss the residents. I love my job. I honestly feel I received more than I gave because this job is so rewarding. I will miss this place and everybody. It was a very joyful experience to be here.”

Prior to joining the home, Annette worked in the community for almost 20 years providing home support. She says the best part of her job in long-term care (LTC) is singing with the residents. She also enjoyed hosting a lobster dinner every summer and making homemade donuts.

“Music is one thing they don’t forget,” she says thoughtfully about the people she has helped with dementia. “I always pick songs they know. I have also enjoyed cooking here. I have baked, made preserves, and prepared staff lunches. I loved everything to do with that. It was fun.”

She remembers the day she was offered the job in the Recreation Department at Helen Henderson Care Centre because it was the day of her mother’s funeral in Cape Breton. She realized after she accepted the position that working with the residents here was helping with the grief and loss of losing her mother.

“LTC was one of the last places I wanted to be, but it was where I was meant to be,” she says wisely.

“It is with sadness that the Recreation Department is saying goodbye to one of our most talented Activation Aides, Annette Warren,” says Donna Joudoin, Recreation Manager. “We are very happy she is going to enjoy some much-deserved rest in retirement, but we also want her to know how much how much she will be missed. Annette has been in the long-term care field for many years, sharing her talents and creativity with seniors. Annette has such a way of keeping the residents entertained. When she is hosting a program, she uses her vast life experiences to capture those she is working with. There are times you could here a pin drop because everyone is so captivated. One of Annette’s most successful programs was her famous Maritime lobster dinner. Lobsters were shipped from Nova Scotia for this special meal which became a highlight of the summer.”

“We were incredibly blessed to meet her family members who helped make this magnificent dinner for our residents,” the manager continues. “It should be noted that Annette received her Social Service Worker Diploma later in life because she wanted to pursue a career in working with seniors. She is a great example that it is never too late to follow your dreams. I want to thank Annette for the passion and talent she showed our seniors over the years. She made a big impact on the lives she touched. We hope she enjoys her retirement with her family and friends. We’ll look forward to her visits.”

Reflecting back on her career, Annette admits her return to school and graduating with honours when she was 50 was one of the biggest accomplishments of her life.

“One of the most rewarding things I ever did was to return to college for three years with my daughter,” she explains. “That’s what allowed me to work here. It was one of the most enjoyable things I ever did.”

Speaking on behalf of the home, Administrator Lisa Gibson notes, “Annette’s kind smile and warm laugh will be greatly missed in the Activation Department and by all of our residents. Her singing and cooking programs were always a hit with our residents and staff. Her homemade donuts will be missed. I wish her all the best in her retirement and hope she considers returning as a volunteer.”

A proud mother of three daughters and six grandchildren, Annette answers quickly when asked about her future plans. “I plan to wake-up in the morning and decide whether or not I’ll get up,” she says with a laugh.

“I don’t have any plans other than travelling and gardening,” she explains. “It’s time to take life little easier.”

Helen Henderson Care Centre is grateful for the good work of Annette Warren. We wish her the best in retirement. To learn more about living or working here, please call 613-384-4585.