Noreen’s office (a.k.a. our gathering place)

When you think about your happiest moments in your workplace, does a certain person come to mind?

For me, this person is Noreen. She is affectionately known as our work mom because of her loving and caring nature. Her office is our gathering place, where we meet to discuss work and personal issues with someone who is fiercely loyal, compassionate, thoughtful, generous, hilarious and wise. She is incredibly strong and inspiring. She has a smile and a laugh that will brighten up your day, and she also has a, shall we say, “stunning” vocabulary that will leave you speechless at times. She always makes time to be helpful, no matter how much extra work gets thrown her way. She is truly a one-of-a-kind gem and we have been so truly fortunate to know her in our lives.

Unfortunately when we return to work after the holidays, her desk will be empty, as will our hearts. Luckily for Noreen, she will be enjoying retirement and her well-earned freedom, but she will be dearly missed. Thank you for creating such a warm and welcoming environment for all us workers and all the children who have come to visit over the many years you have blessed us with your presence. We wouldn’t be who we are without you, my dear!

By Margaret Madore, Thunder Bay, Ontario