Retirement Couldn’t Keep Deb Away
When Deb Markewicz retired from St. Louis Center’s nursing department in 2023, she left behind more than a job. She left behind friendships, routines, and a community she had come to love.
Fortunately for everyone at St. Louis Center, retirement did not keep her away for long.
Today, Deb returns every other Thursday as a volunteer during the Skill Building Program, lending a helping hand wherever she is needed. Some days she assists in the nursing department. Other days she sits alongside residents as they work on art projects, crafts, and other activities. No matter the task, Deb enjoys spending time with the residents who became such an important part of her life.
Deb first joined the St. Louis Center nursing team in 2018 during a period of significant change and growth. Before the Center implemented its medication packaging system in 2020, nurses and direct care staff followed a more labor-intensive process for administering medications. Deb played a key role in helping train direct care workers on effective medication administration procedures, ensuring residents received safe and consistent care.
Throughout her years on staff, Deb built strong relationships with residents and coworkers alike. Her kindness, patience, and sense of humor made a lasting impression. When she retired, many residents deeply missed seeing her familiar face and sharing conversations with her each day.
That affection has made her return as a volunteer especially meaningful. Residents are always happy to see Deb walk through the door, and she enjoys reconnecting with the people who continue to hold a special place in her heart.
Deb’s continued commitment reminds us that St. Louis Center is more than a workplace. It is a community built on relationships, compassion, and a shared mission of caring for one another. Even in retirement, Deb continues to embrace that mission, enriching the lives of residents through her generosity and friendship.
Read the entire issue of St. Louis Spirit here!
