On December 30, residents, staff and friends gathered to recognize and celebrate Marlys Heath’s retirement from Johnson Memorial Health Services (JMHS). Marlys has been employed at JMHS for more than 30 years. During that time she worked 5 years as a CNA before transferring to the Activities Department working as an Activities Assistant.
As an activity assistant Marlys helped plan, organize and lead daily activities to meet the personal interests and needs of the residents. During her employment at JMHS she has met and made many lasting friendships, from residents and their families to co-workers and volunteers. Marlys’s favorite part of her job was getting to know each resident on a personal basis and hearing their individual story.
Gail Ochsendorf, Activities Manager said “It’s a bittersweet moment, saying goodbye to a friend and coworker who has meant so much. Marlys was always willing to go the extra mile to get to know our residents and their preferences to truly make a difference in their lives each day.”
Marlys’s official retirement date was December 31. Her retirement plans include spending more time with her family; doing all the things they enjoy doing together. She also hopes to have more time to focus on her hobbies, which include: reading, quilting, sewing, playing bingo and volunteering.
Marlys graduated from Dawson High School. She lived in Mankato and Wisconsin before returning to Dawson in 1976. She and her husband Jim have two children. Their daughter, Amy Botzet and her husband, Tom have two children and live in West Virginia. Their son Matt has two children and lives in Minneota, MN.
JMHS would like to thank Marlys for her many years of service and her commitment and dedication to providing excellence in healthcare, everyday.
