A Familiar Face, A Lasting Impact: Employee Spotlight on Laura Gruber

When Laura Gruber first walked through the doors of Cornwall Manor in 1985 as a 16-year-old Certified Nursing Assistant after completing the Nurse Aide Training program here, she likely didn’t imagine she was beginning a lifelong journey. Now, more than four decades later, she is preparing to celebrate her 41st work anniversary this July—all spent at Cornwall Manor. After nearly a decade in resident care, Laura transitioned to Campus Housekeeping in 1994, where she continues to serve today, making her entire professional career a reflection to her dedication to Cornwall Manor.

Throughout her 40+ years, Laura has seen the campus evolve in many ways. She fondly recalls a time when ladies dressed formally in dresses every day, a reflection of a different era. She has also witnessed the physical growth of the community, including the construction of Laurel Place, which was underway when she moved from the Health Center to campus housekeeping. Today, she continues to care for spaces in Bradley Hall and the Carriage House, areas she remembers from their earlier days as efficiency apartments.

Laura’s story is uniquely woven into the history of Cornwall Manor itself. As a young CNA, she cared for Hazel Zerr, wife of Cornwall Manor’s founder and first administrator, Levi Zerr. Decades later, her work has come full circle—she now cleans the Carriage House apartment of Hazel’s granddaughter, Trish Weigel, a connection that beautifully reflects the continuity of community across generations.

What has kept Laura here for more than four decades? Simply put—the residents. “Everyone is interesting and has led interesting lives,” she shares. Over the years, she has built lasting friendships and treasures the opportunity to connect with those she serves.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her curiosity and creativity. She is an avid reader, especially drawn to historical fiction. She recently finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and enjoys authors like Kristin Harmel and Kristin Hannah. Once she finds an author she likes, she happily “binge reads” their books. In the summer, you’ll often find her with a book in hand, while winter is reserved for working on puzzles.

Laura also enjoys spending time outdoors, especially biking along the Rail Trail, and has a passion for history—she even considers herself a history enthusiast. One of her favorite shows is Mysteries at the Museum, which explores fascinating artifacts and their stories. In the past, she explored creative hobbies like glass fusing and photography, both self-taught pursuits she enjoyed for several years.

Family is at the heart of Laura’s life. She lives in Lebanon with her husband, Bruce, and together they have a son, a daughter, and a 5-year-old grandson, Asher. Laura treasures her time with Asher, especially their standing Friday dates, which often include playground adventures or building Legos, followed by dinner at Chick-fil-A.

Laura also enjoys traveling and has visited destinations including Aruba, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico, and Canada. Of all her travels, Aruba remains her favorite.

When asked what she enjoys most about her role, Laura’s answer is simple—she genuinely enjoys her work and the relationships she’s built along the way. After 41 years, her dedication continues to shine through in everything she does.

Laura’s story is a reminder of what makes Cornwall Manor so special—the people who dedicate their lives to creating a vibrant, caring community. Her passion and commitment continue to enrich the lives of those around her. Cornwall Manor is fortunate to have her as part of its family.