End of an Era: Honoring Three Inspiring Team Members as They Retire

End of an Era: Honoring Three Inspiring Team Members as They Retire

As Cornwall Manor bids farewell to three remarkable team members with 77 years of combined service, we celebrate their unique journeys and the memorable impact they’ve left on our community.

Cindy Hower, Director of Information Technology

Cindy Hower recently celebrated her 42nd work anniversary at Cornwall Manor, marking a remarkable journey filled with dedication, growth and change. Her career began in a different setting altogether. After welcoming her son, Michael, Cindy worked as a clerk at Thrift Drug Store. However, her enthusiasm for office work and bookkeeping never waned and she wanted to return to a secretarial role.

In 1982, Cindy was hired as the secretary to the Cornwall Manor Foundation, now known as the Advancement Office. Reflecting on those early days, Cindy chuckles at the memory of maintaining donor records on 4×6 index cards. “If a donation was made, I’d insert the donor card into the typewriter and record the information on that donor’s card,” she recalls.

Over the years, Cindy witnessed and adapted to significant technological advancements. She remembers the excitement when Cornwall Manor received their first electronic typewriter which eventually advanced to computers. At that time, WordPerfect was the only software available, and it had to be installed on the computer using multiple floppy disks. Cindy’s curiosity and eagerness to learn led her to take on more computer-related tasks as technology evolved.

When Cornwall Manor decided to implement a computer network, Cindy’s role expanded further. She attended Harrisburg Area Community College, where she earned an associate degree as a Computer/Software Specialist. This new knowledge empowered her to create Cornwall Manor’s first website, a project she thoroughly enjoyed, especially the HTML coding.

Another fond memory Cindy recalls is preparing the ManorLife newsletter for mailing. This newsletter, sent to over 8,000 addresses, required a manual mailing process once it returned from the printer. The task, which took place in Freeman Auditorium, became an all-day event. With the help of over 40 resident volunteers, each newsletter was labeled and sorted by zip code into postal mail trays. “It was like a big social event with refreshments and lots of conversation. The residents loved it and they turned this otherwise tedious task into a fun and enjoyable experience.”

Cindy’s fondest memories at Cornwall Manor revolve around watching the growth of the community and the wonderful relationships she built with both employees and residents. A particularly memorable moment in her career was when she became the Information Management Coordinator, taking on greater responsibilities for the organization’s computer systems and in 2024 being promoted to Director of Information Technology.

As Cindy looks to the future, she is excited to spend more time with her husband, John, and her grandsons, Brady and Owen. They plan to enjoy more camping trips during the week. Cindy also looks forward to indulging in her hobbies, such as rug hooking and various crafts, as well as simple pleasures like grocery shopping, cooking, making meals and traveling.

Sharon Abbott, Campus Housekeeper

When Sharon Abbott began her career at Cornwall Manor in 1998, she remembers it being a much smaller place, without the Woods Campus. Over the years, her love for Cornwall Manor grew, largely because of the residents. “It’s just a wonderful place to work. Everyone is so grateful and appreciative,” she says. This gratitude taught her to always do her best and be as helpful as possible. For Sharon, Cornwall Manor is special because of the people—their care, concern for one another, gratitude and warm welcomes. “When everyone is appreciative, it just teaches you to be a better person.”

As a Campus Housekeeper, Sharon’s role took her all over campus, from common spaces to residents’ homes. Over her 26-year career, she met many people and shared that walking into a resident’s home was like walking into a museum, filled with heirlooms, pictures and artifacts that showcased their journeys and memories. “I’m honored to learn more about them and hear their stories of a long-life well lived,” she says.

When asked what she will miss most about Cornwall Manor, Sharon mentions the residents and their dogs. “I always have dog treats in my car for the campus pooches,” she says with a smile. As a huge dog lover, Sharon found that meeting a resident’s dog—even those she didn’t clean for—was a great way to connect with people.

In her retirement, Sharon looks forward to vacationing and visiting her son in Florida, spending time with her daughter and granddaughter (both of whom live locally) and doing things at her own pace like reading, gardening, volunteering and adopting a new furry friend—particularly a senior German Shepherd.

Sharon believes that working at Cornwall Manor “takes a village” and that everyone in the community—both team members and residents—plays a role in contributing to its well-being and success. She is proud to have been part of the Cornwall Manor community.

Beth Ann Huntington, Marketing Counselor

Before joining Cornwall Manor, Beth Ann Huntington worked for a real estate company, where she excelled in assisting people with relocation. Her diverse skill set included connecting people, customer service, problem-solving and sales, among many others.

After being laid off, Beth Ann took her time searching for new employment. Her passion for non-profit organizations guided her job search, and in 2015, she was thrilled to accept the Marketing Counselor position at Cornwall Manor. At 55 years old, this was the first job she truly loved.

Beth Ann enjoys the focused nature of her role. She meets with people, shows them the community and connects interested prospects with residents for meals in the dining room or home tours. She also appreciates that her job doesn’t require travel, allowing her to spend more time with people. Beth Ann believes the residents are such a valuable part of the community and takes pride in Cornwall Manor’s welcoming atmosphere. She looks forward to watching this trend of inclusivity and diversity continue.

Even if prospects don’t choose Cornwall Manor, Beth Ann finds value in her work. “That time is valuable, and it was important for those prospects to learn more about our community,” she says.

Looking forward to retirement, Beth Ann plans to spend more time with her husband, Tom, who is also retired and writing a book. She is excited to join him on his research adventures. They have two children, Katie and Sam, who both live in proximity to Beth Ann and Tom. Katie and son-in-law Neil are expecting their second child, Olivia, in February, who will join their 18-month-old son, Owen.

Beth Ann is eager to pursue her hobbies, including fiber arts (or rug hooking, a past hobby introduced by her mother), reading, cooking with her Dutch oven and cast-iron skillet and indulging in mixology.

With her mother residing in Cornwall Manor’s Health Center, Beth Ann will remain connected to the community even in retirement. She fondly recalls her time at Cornwall Manor as fun, filled with friendships, and appreciates the home-like ambiance and non-corporate atmosphere.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to Cindy, Sharon and Beth Ann for their years of service and dedication. Their contributions have enriched Cornwall Manor, contributing to the caring community atmosphere. As they embark on their next chapters, we wish them joy, fulfillment and continued connection to the community they helped shape. Thank you for being an integral part of the Cornwall Manor family!