ENCINITAS, California — After a total of 54 years as a caretaker with Seacrest Village Retirement Communities and its predecessor senior residence, the San Diego Hebrew Home, caretaker Joyce Lundin has retired, but not before staff, residents, and donors to the Jewish facility could bid her a fond farewell.
A banner created for the occasion had a large number 54 with the explanation that Lundin went from 54th Street (the location of the S.D. Hebrew Home) to 54 years. As a matter of noteworthy symbolism 54 is three times 18, which is the numeric value of the Hebrew word “chai” meaning “life.”
Pam Ferris, president and CEO of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities, noted that numerous staff members working in a variety of departments, helped to prepare for Lundin’s send-off.
“I hope you all never forget the difference you make and take pride in the important work you do and that we do together! Thank you for making that difference at Seacrest!” Ferris posted on Seacrest’s Facebook page.
Another December high point at Seacrest Village was the publication in The San Diego Union-Tribune of an essay on aging by resident Mary Blackman. In the article, she described the physical and emotional ailments that can accompany old age. “Yet,” she wrote, “we manage to build a new life, most of the time as a single entity. Somehow, we inspire each other to get up and out to ‘Greet the sunshine every day,’ to find beauty, to live life as well and as long as we can, and care about each other.”
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SDJW staff report