Anne Gordeyko: Hillside Beloved Resident A day in the life of a Hillside Lodge resident

by Sonny Rajoo

Anne Gordeyko was born on October 23, 1925, the daughter of Bill and Elizabeth Ewaciuk. She married Bill and had four boys. Her beloved husband, Bill, passed away in 1986 and is still sorely missed.

Anne has a great grasp of living at the lodge, having worked five years as a staff member and five years as a manager at a time when the function of staff was different to modern day services.

The morning starts with Anne, known for her elegance, grace and charm, comes to the breakfast table a little after 7a.m. and enjoys every meal with a sense of gratitude always emphasizing "Somebody up there is looking after me."

Anne enjoys washing her own clothes and usually has a very positive outlook on life as she participates in the days activities.

Shortly after 11a.m., Anne, with her usual punctuality sits down to lunch and enjoys a sumptuous variety of dishes that the kitchen staff prepares for residents. Anne joins her fellow residents, starts refreshments, a good lunch and ends with dessert.

She thinks highly of the kitchen staff and the helpers for the respect and kindness in going about their duties.

If we can sum up Anne's viewpoint of life in the lodge with one sentence, "To the management and staff working at the Lodge is not an activity but a way of life."

In between her meals, Anne can be seen enjoying life at Hillside Lodge by playing cards with her numerous friends.

Following a snack at 2p.m., Anne is surrounded by several friends where they enjoy fellowship and social interaction.

Anne continues her day at the lodge which she describes as a "very happy" place to be as she sits down to supper at 4:30p.m.

Anne is full of praise for the work done by the management, kitchen staff, housekeeping staff and maintenance staff. Her positive attributes serve as a source of encouragement for her fellow residents and staff.

The Lodge also shows its hospitality by providing snacks at 7p.m.

Anne is full of praise for the home care staff and always do their jobs positively and courteously putting 100 percent into their jobs.

Anne's leadership qualities have been instilled in her sons, including former Reeve and County Councillor Patrick Gordeyko who has a management position running the Utilities Operation of the County, and son Stan who is a retired engineer. Stan returned to Two Hills and provides invaluable service as a volunteer. He is actively involved in the Agricultural Society, the church, and at press time widely tasked as the next President of the Two Hills Seniors Centre Society.

From our family to yours, Anne, we warmly thank you for being a source of inspiration and encouragement to all residents and staff at Hillside Lodge.