Gloria Armstrong, beloved member of the Health Care Center kitchen staff, recently celebrated 40 years of dedicated service at Milwaukee Catholic Home!

It is hard to imagine how many meals she has prepared for residents and staff during her tenure, and it’s equally hard to imagine Milwaukee Catholic Home without her infectious smile!

Her loyalty and commitment to the MCH mission is truly inspiring, and we were honored to sit down with her and discuss her nearly half a century of experience.

Q: Tell me about your role here and what a typical day looks like for you?

A: A typical day here means two things: it means arriving early so I can be sure to get all of my work done, and it means that it’s going to be a good day. Every day working at Milwaukee Catholic Home is a good one-I just love all of the residents and staff here!

Q: In what ways has your position evolved in the last 40 years?

A: My position has changed a lot in the last forty years. When I first began at age 30, my starting pay was $3.10 an hour, which was a pay cut from $4.00 an hour from my previous position! Back then, I was mainly a food service aide, but today, my main role here is as a short-order cook. Being a cook has been so rewarding, because I have learned how to make quite a few things over the years!

Q: Are there any particular things you enjoy making the most for residents and staff?

A: I love making desserts the best—and that’s what the residents seem to enjoy the most too!

Q: What is your favorite part about coming to work every day?

A: It’s always wonderful to see all of the friendly faces here. I am happy to say that I really do get along with everyone here, and that there is a great sense of teamwork here at Milwaukee Catholic Home.

Q: What is it that has motivated you these past forty years to continue to be part of the MCH mission?

A: It has never been in my nature to frequently change jobs, so staying in one place for so long, where you know all the systems and practices, has been really great for me. Plus, there’s too much to enjoy here, so I’ve never had a compelling reason to leave.

Q: How would you describe Milwaukee Catholic Home to those who are unfamiliar with it?

A: I’ve always said that Milwaukee Catholic Home is a beautiful place. It’s something in the atmosphere that I have felt ever since I first started, and I’ve liked it every day for the past forty years.

Q: When you aren’t at work, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A: My three children, 14 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren sure do keep me busy! Other than that, I love coming home after work and relaxing by listening to some of my favorite Blues music.