Octogenarian retiring after 47 years in Avella schools
Avella Elementary School secretary Ann Andrews retired Thursday after 47 years with the district.
Avella Elementary School secretary Ann Andrews is retiring after 47 years with the district. Coworkers, staff and students bid her farewell Thursday during a school assembly.
AVELLA – On the last day of the school year, Ann Andrews was prepared to get her hands dirty.
Cafeteria tables needed moved and the soon-to-be 83-year-old couldn’t find anyone to get it done.
“I said, ‘I’ll take them down myself,'” Andrews said with a laugh.
Although a coworker took over table duties, Thursday was a difficult day for Andrews.
After nearly 47 years, the octogenarian is retiring from Avella Area School District. She saw eight superintendents and six principals come and go. But ‘Mom,’ as she is known by her coworkers, has been a constant since 1969.
Andrews and many of her co-workers alternated between tears and giggles Thursday as they said farewell.
Surprising the Avella resident, staff presented her with flowers and kind words during a school assembly.
“I hope when I’m 83 I have half of what she has,” said co-worker Linda Gagliani. “She has a head better than mine.”
“She’s an incredible asset to the district and a wealth of information,” said Cyril Walther, acting superintendent. “She knows the students and families and has a passion for kids.”
Andrews got her start in the district in 1969 as a lunch aide, working a couple of hours a day. She since worked as a math and reading aide and filled in wherever needed, eventually ending up in the elementary office.
“It’s been quite a career, I’ll tell you,” Andrews said. “I have a pin that says, ‘I’ve done it all and I survived.'”
During the year Avella had no elementary principal, Andrews was the unofficial second-in-command to the superintendent, helping to keep the rural district running smoothly.
“People are so dedicated here. It has been wonderful. My coworkers and I have been a family,” Andrews said. “We’ve laughed together and cried together.”
Although her goal was to work until age 87, like her sister, Andrews decided it was time to retire because of problems with her ankle. She turned down several full-time job offers and will continue to substitute in the elementary office when needed. She is planning a summer trip to Cape May, N.J., with some of her family, including three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She’ll spend her free time reading, gardening, having breakfast with other retired coworkers and volunteering for the Avella Volunteer Fire Department and Avella Presbyterian Church.
“I like to help anybody who needs it,” she said.
One thing she’s not going to miss about full-time work?
“A winter of driving,” Andrews said.
Lori Ragan, who worked with Andrews for more than 15 years, said she is known for her generosity, buying students lunch if they don’t have the money and keeping a “secret” drawer of goodies to share with both students and staff.
“She’s not just a secretary that sits behind a desk,” Ragan said. “We’re really going to miss her.”
Andrews was handed a microphone Thursday to say goodbye to her youngest fans.
“Boys and girls,” Andrews said, addressing her small but rapt audience. “Thank you for making my life more beautiful.”