It’s difficult to adequately celebrate the retirement of someone who has served an organization for nearly its entire existence, but on March 5th, former and current staff, family, and friends did their best to properly honor Janice White’s retirement after nearly 55 years at VNA. Due to Janice’s long-spanning career at VNA and the many lives she touched in that time, the party felt almost as much like a reunion as it felt like a retirement party. Former and current staff members reunited to celebrate Janice, including another VNA legend. Marceil Lauppe, one of VNA’s original staff members and longtime executive director, traveled to join the festivities in celebration of Janice’s time at VNA. She was just one of several former staff members in attendance who worked with Janice for more than 20 years, highlighting the impressive longevity of some of VNA’s staff members, while also helping to put Janice’s incredible 55-year career in perspective.
Janice White talks with former VNA RN and longtime Executive Director, Marceil Lauppe, at her retirement party.
Guests visited with Janice and each other, enjoyed snacks and beverages, and posed for photos to commemorate the occasion. VNA’s CEO, Cynthia Lewis, spoke about Janice’s time at VNA, shared her sentiments and those of others who had contributed comments to a photo book for Janice, and then invited Janice to the podium to share a few words of her own. Janice reflected on her time at VNA, the incredible changes that have occurred in the last 55 years, and shared some fun stories. It was a special evening in honor of a great person and an incredible, truly one-of-a-kind VNA employee.
Janice White poses with some of her family at her retirement party.
Luckily for VNA’s staff, Janice’s last day still wasn’t until March 28th, but in seemingly no time at all, that day arrived. After many hugs, some kind words, and a few tears, Janice left the VNA office for one final time as an employee to cheers and applause. Though she is no longer a VNA employee, Janice will always be a part of the VNA family.
Janice White poses for a photo with former VNA employees at her retirement party.