Ann Thibodaux retires

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Ann Thibodaux retires after 25 years of service

Story by Janet Marcel ~ Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

Ann Thibodaux, who has been serving as administrator of St. Joseph Manor, an assisted living retirement community in Thibodaux, for the past 25 years, and Cardinal Place, a 55+ independent living residential community in Thibodaux, since its inception in April 2016, retired August 31.

St. Joseph Manor, a private, non-profit corporation licensed by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, operates independently under the umbrella of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Thibodaux’s original plan was to retire on March 31 of this year, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she felt called to continue her ministry at the Manor for a while longer.

“I was scheduled to retire on March 31, but after going into lockdown because of COVID-19 pandemic on March 12, I decided to postpone my retirement. Personally, I could not leave the residents and staff during such an unprecedented and challenging time. It is a decision I have not regretted and am so grateful I made,” says Thibodaux, who worked full time through Aug. 10, then reduced her hours until her Aug. 31 retirement date.

Of her decision to retire at the end of August, Thibodaux says, “It appears this may be the ‘new normal’ we will be living in for a while. After having a ‘revelation’ during Mass one Sunday, I decided to officially retire on Aug. 31. a

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I began my long term care career at a nursing home on August 11, 1976, so I thought this may a good time to end a 44-year career in long term care. I have never considered my 25 years at the Manor a ‘job.’ It has been a ‘ministry’ which I truly loved.”

The Thibodaux native graduated from E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Columbus College in Columbus, GA. Her career in long term care spanned 44 years. She served as director of nursing at Thibodaux Healthcare Center on Lafourche Drive from 1976 until 1981, then as administrator there until 1995, when she was appointed administrator of the Manor.

She says Msgr. Francis J. Amedee approached her after Mass on Thanksgiving Day in 1994 and asked if she would be interested in managing St Joseph Manor, which was scheduled to open in early 1995. She says her first thought was “thank you, but no.”

“I loved what I was doing. I was happy there; and at that time I didn’t even know what assisted living was. But all throughout the holidays, I kept hearing God telling me that I should pursue this. So in January, I called Msgr. Amedee, and met with him and a consultant in the area of assisted living. I talked to my family about it, prayed about it and ultimately decided this is where God was calling me to be,” says Thibodaux.

When asked what she was most proud of with regard to her job as administrator of the Manor, she says its overall success and the development of Cardinal Place.

What Thibodaux has enjoyed most about working at St. Joseph Manor is all of the people she comes in contact with each day … the residents, the staff and the Board members.

“I love being a part of the residents’ lives because they give so much back to me. And, I’ve learned so much from the staff. I can’t thank them enough for all they do for the residents to ensure they have a great quality of life. I couldn’t do this on my own. I pray for God’s wisdom, his words, his patience and his knowledge every day,” says Thibodaux.

She says what she will miss most about working at St. Joseph Manor are the people … the residents, the staff, the interaction with all of the people including the volunteers, the home health agencies, the medical community. She will miss them all.

“Jerald Block and the Board of Directors’ leadership, guidance and support over the years has helped me grow spiritually, professionally and personally. I am most grateful to all of the volunteers. I began serving on the St. Joseph Manor Board of Directors on Sept. 1, which I am very excited about. I will be able to continue my ‘ministry,’ but on a voluntary basis. I am committed to staying actively involved with St. Joseph Manor, Cardinal Place, and its residents and staff. I feel blessed that I will be able to serve on the Board of Directors with this group of distinguished and respected individuals,” says Thibodaux.

St. Joseph Manor’s Board of Directors are Jerald Block, president; Bill Hochstetler, vice president: Francis Thibodeaux, secretary/treasurer; Dr. Maria Cruse, Marty Edlefsen and Carroll Falcon.

Some of Thibodaux’s most memorable moments at St. Joseph Manor were having her mom and dad, as well as her mother-in-law and father-in-law living at the Manor. She says just having them as part of the community was very special.

“My decision to retire was a difficult and bittersweet one. I truly love working with and reporting to the Board of Directors, and my interaction with the residents and staff. I have been blessed to serve as administrator from the Manor’s inception until now. I am forever grateful to our founder, Msgr. Francis Amedee,” says Thibodaux. “My years at the Manor and Cardinal Place have been very rewarding and have given me many great memories to treasure. The people have enriched my life and made those years so enjoyable. My many positive experiences, spiritual, professional and personal, at both communities will always be remembered fondly. I thank God for my 25- year ministry as administrator.”

She says although retirement is going to be an adjustment, she is looking forward to spending more time with family, catching up with friends, going to the theatre and out to dinner, volunteering at the hospital, and traveling with her husband. BC

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