GMH employee retires after nearly 44 years
Marie Torrey retired on March 31 after nearly 44 years at the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital. (Photo submitted)
Intravenous fluids (IV’s) were given in small glass bottles. Water was sterilized by hospital staff in a distiller. Smoking was allowed in hospitals. This past month, the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital (GMH) community said “Farewell” and “Good luck” to one of its long-time employees, Marie Torrey, who remembers working around the traditional ways.
On June 7, 1972, Torrey began working in Central Supply and Laundry at GMH. Shortly after, she became the Materials Manager and has done that ever since. In her position, she was in charge of ordering and receiving materials, acting as a resource for department needs, and sometimes distributing materials around GMH departments.
“I like the challenges that I faced. For example, building the new hospital was a challenge, but we got through it and felt great about it, especially with bigger department spaces," she said. "And with technology changing so drastically, I used to see sales people taking purchase orders; now everything is online.”
“The staff at GMH has made this a great place to work for so many years. The people are so supportive of each other and truly believe in our clinical and non-clinical staff. I’ve learned a lot from the others," added Marie.
GMH CEO Kim Gau stated, “Marie has served this organization with great dedication. She applied precision and attention to detail that allowed the hospital to operate successfully on a daily basis. Equally important was her contribution to the success of our large projects as well, not the least being the new hospital and building contents. It was a pleasure to work with her. She will be missed by all and we wish her great happiness in her retirement.”
When asked what Torrey will be doing in her retirement-time, she stated, “Certainly not living by a schedule! When my husband Lyle retires in July, we plan on traveling the U.S., but we don’t have set plans yet. I hope to make it out to the Carolinas and Yellowstone National Park because I love history and nature. And spending time with my two children, Shanna and David, and grandchildren, Owen and Addison, will be really nice.”
Additionally, Torrey looks forward to reading, gardening, watching the New York Yankees on TV, and staying active in the Guttenberg community by serving on the Cemetery Board and helping with meal site at her church.
Torrey advises the younger generation to “learn as much as you can and always ask questions. I learned a lot from asking other departments questions. You have to step out of your comfort zone. That’s how you grow. Never, ever, let the small things get you down. And always keep a smile on your face.”
Torrey’s last day at GMH was March 31.
