BELOVED ROCHDALE EMPLOYEE RETIRES AFTER 39 YEARS

by CynthIa bernadIne

Lorraine

Kirkpatrick can be considered a “Rochdalian” in her own rights. Although not living in Rochdale, Lorraine has spent most of her life behind Rochdale Village walls working for over 39 years.

Starting out as a clerk in the Legal Department in her twenties, Lorraine quickly moved through the folds working with Assistant General Managers, then promoted to Executive Assistant to the General Manager and finally settling within the Projects Department. As Department Supervisors came and went, one thing remained consistent and that was Lorraine; who continued to work in the department for over 25 years and ultimately retiring from the position that she held and loved.

When asked why she remained at Rochdale Village for so long she stated, “I believe that in order to succeed at anything one must not give up, because a quitter never wins and a winner nev- er quits. It was that principle that anchored me through 39 1/2 years of employment at Rochdale Village.”

And a quitter she was not! Over the years, Lorraine built many lasting relationships at Rochdale Village, made evident by the outpouring of love that was present at her retirement party which was held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Fellow employees, current managers and board members, as well as past managers and board members joined Lorraine and her family in celebrating her longevity and achievements.

Stopping by to wish Lorraine well were Liz Goldsmith, former Human Resources Director, who interviewed her as a young woman as well as Teresa Allen, former Head of the Legal Department, who hired her for her first position at Rochdale Village. Former Rochdale Board Member Ms. Elaine Jackson also made an appearance to bid Lorraine farewell and wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life.

Right before the Independence Day holiday, on June 30, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Senior Center decided to treat their seniors to an afternoon of good food with a BBQ provided by Chef’s Orchid Catering. Seniors came dressed for July 4th in their red, white and blue. Due to the heat, they had to move the gathering indoors, but the seniors still were able to enjoy all the eats and get on the dance floor.