The Rosedale House Secretary Christine Doerr finds it rewarding to be able to help residents enjoy their retirement years.
“I have met many interesting personalities working with our residents,” Doerr told SW Illinois News. “My personal goals working for The Rosedale House are to make each resident feel as comfortable and ‘at home’ in an environment which has been made senior-friendly to meet their personal needs physically and mentally.”
Doerr worked most of her life as an administrative assistant in the State of Illinois University System. She retired from the University of Illinois Extension office in Sparta in 2008 and shortly afterward joined The Rosedale House as secretary to its owner, Ardis Henerfauth.
“My favorite thing about working for Rosedale is the multitude of activities which we afford our residents, especially the parties,” she said. “At least once or twice a month, we host a theme party inviting guests and family members to come for special entertainment and lots of good food. For example, at the singing cowboy party, we wore red bandanas and/or cowboy hats and listened to a variety of country songs by a former Nashville recording artist who whistles, sings and plays the guitar. The residents have loved the parties. We rarely have a party that we don't have 100 percent participation from the residents.”
Doerr said the personality of each resident is taken in consideration for birthday celebrations.
“I recall one resident saying she has never been treated to a birthday party since she was 12 years old,” Doerr said. “She was surprised and honored with balloons, a card shower, and ice cream and cake.”
Doerr said she hopes people realize the special value seniors have in the community.
“Seniors have many life lessons to teach us,” she said. “If we listen to their stories and experiences, we are rich with knowledge about the past. As the senior population grows due to better health care and longer life spans, I would like to see every senior treated with dignity and respect regardless of their race, creed or ethnicity.”
Doerr was raised in Murphysboro and currently lives with her husband, John, in Red Bud. She attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
She enjoys reading biographies, dining out and attending church.
“My motto is live, love and laugh – especially laugh,” Doerr said.
Alerts Sign-up