Doris Gilmore retires after almost 60 years at Acts Manor House
SEAFORD, Del. – A Certified Nursing Assistant at Acts Manor House in Seaford is retiring after nearly six decades of caring for older adults. Her name is Doris Gilmore, and Tuesday at the housing community, a special retirement celebration was set in her honor.
Gilmore telling WMDT her thoughts heading into retirement. “I feel wonderful now that I’m retiring, but I’m going to miss it badly.”
Kori Bingaman, Executive Director of Acts Manor House, spoke highly of Doris, and said her legacy will be something that will be felt years down the line.
“What Doris means to us is exactly what our Acts mission means to us, which is love and kindness. Doris, actually of 58 years serving, exemplifies that exact same mission.”
Doris Gilmore, represents what it means to be a caregiver. She has finally decided to take a step back after 58 years of service at the Acts Manor House, serving the community with dedication, compassion, and consistency.
Gilmore tells WMDT that she loves working so much that even on her wedding day, she wanted to come serve at Acts Manor House. “They wanted me to come out here after I got out here, and I said we are not going on a honeymoon, so I’ll be there.”
Gilmore adding that the seniors waited come through those doors on that night. “Hey they were up, they were all up at 8:30 at night sitting alongside the hall. I came on in with my gown on, my husband will tell you, and I was singing. Here comes the bride, I had my veil on, and they were so happy that I took the time on my wedding day to come see them.”
Doris cared for thousands of residents and families, and served as a mentor to youth caregivers. She remained loyal to Acts Manor even through all the industry shifts and evolving resident needs.
Those who attended the celebration spoke highly of her and says her energy is what was so wholesome to those she was around.
Doris Gilmore explains what being strong can do for a community you serve. “You got to be strong, women man in the community, because life hits you and you got to be tough, you got to be tough.”
