A Lifetime of Showing Up: Volunteer Spotlight on Judy Davis

Judy Davis’s connection to Cornwall Manor spans more than five decades and reflects a lifelong commitment to service, family and community. A Lebanon native, Judy’s story at Cornwall Manor began over 50 years ago—long before many of today’s buildings took their current form. At just 14 years old, she worked in the Freeman Dining Room, serving meals from 4–6 PM and spent weekends helping with dinner service in Gateway. Over the years, she has watched the campus transform so much that, as she puts it, “exterior walls became interior walls.”

After high school, Judy married, raised three children and today is a proud grandmother to five grandchildren, all between the ages of 18 and 24 and living locally. Her career path was as steady and service‑oriented as her volunteer life. She worked at So Fro Fabrics and later spent 25 years with PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency), processing student loans. Judy retired from PHEAA at age 57, but her strong work ethic led her to continue working as a food service employee with the Palmyra School District until she became eligible for Medicare.

Judy’s return to Cornwall Manor as a volunteer came through family. Her mother, Mabel Hornickell, moved into the Carriage House in 2019. When Mabel and Charles, Judy’s stepfather, moved to Cornwall Manor—with her stepfather residing in the Health Center—Judy felt called to give back. She began volunteering in the Manor Shoppe, where she has been a familiar and friendly face as a cashier twice a month ever since.

What Judy values most about volunteering is the people. She loves the residents and treasures the relationships she’s built, especially with her “regulars” who frequently stop by the Manor Shoppe. Seeing familiar faces and sharing conversations are highlights she looks forward to each time she volunteers.

Beyond Cornwall Manor, Judy’s service extends into the wider community. Alongside her husband, who is active in the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners, Judy helps transport children to Shriners Hospital when needed. She also works seasonally at Royer’s during especially busy times like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and the holidays.

At home, Judy is equally devoted. She visits her mother three to five times a week and serves as a caregiver not only to her mom, but also to her husband, Rick, who is in the early stages of dementia and even to elderly neighbors who need extra support. Despite these responsibilities, she still makes time for herself—walking five miles a day, reading mystery novels and enjoying creative hobbies like sewing, knitting and crocheting.

Judy lives just behind the Quentin Tavern, deeply rooted in the community she has always called home. Married at 16, a single mom earlier in life and now married to her second husband for 39 years, Judy’s life has been shaped by resilience, compassion and a generous spirit.

Cornwall Manor holds a special place in her heart—not only because her mother now resides here, but because of the exceptional care provided and the meaningful connections she continues to make. Judy Davis embodies the heart of volunteerism: showing up, caring deeply and quietly making a difference wherever she is needed.