A Fond Farewell to Two Nathaniel Witherell Icons!
Saying “goodbye” is never easy. But saying goodbye to two treasured colleagues – Lynn Bausch, RN, our director of nursing, and Mary Bruce, therapeutic recreation director, is even more challenging. Over a combined 70+ years, the two have inspired excellence and shaped our culture in the most amazing and far-reaching ways.
In her 32 years at the Witherell, Lynn has risen through the ranks to helm our all-important nursing unit, overseeing a team that includes nurse managers, staff nurses, and nursing assistants that are consistently recognized for their compassion and professionalism. She has been instrumental in helping the Witherell rack up numerous awards and recognitions for the high-quality, person-centered care we provide, including our annual designation as a U.S. News & World Report “Top Nursing Home” in Connecticut. Lynn joined the Witherell in 1986 after having worked as a staff nurse at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital.
“Lynn’s attention to clinical excellence and her passion for eldercare have helped make the Witherell a top nursing home,” says Allen Brown, the Witherell’s executive director. “Under her guidance, our residents have received the highest level of care and treatment, with each person receiving the respect, kindness, and compassion one would expect and desire.”
Coincidentally, Mary Bruce, announced her retirement this month after 40 years of service. In her time at the Witherell, Mary created a sophisticated and robust therapeutic recreation program that includes art, music, fitness, spiritual outreach, celebrations, holiday programming, special events, pet therapy, and specialized therapy for residents in our Dementia Unit, including music, art, baking, and spiritual outreach.
“Mary’s work is more than entertainment,” Brown notes. “The programs she’s created enhance quality of life and keep our residents engaged, happy, and healthy. The Witherell’s therapeutic recreation program is a model within the industry, for sure.”
Both Lynn Bausch and Mary Bruce will be recognized at a celebration on Friday, April 13th at the Witherell. We are proud to recognize their professional success and the personal joy, passion, and dedication they’ve brought to their positions, and we wish them well on starting a new chapter. Saying goodbye is challenging, but we thought Lynn said it perfectly when announcing her retirement. To borrow her words, “…this is not goodbye, but farewell, as the Witherell will always remain in my spirit and soul.” We agree, Lynn and Mary, thank you and farewell!
