UH Employee Celebrates 90th Birthday

By Benny Fairchild

CANTON – Every morning when Gail Butler arrives at work, the first thing she does is visit with residents and sing to them while they’re eating breakfast. On the morning of May 11^th though, residents flipped the script and began singing to her when she walked into the dining room.

Mrs. Butler described the scene. “It was quite a surprise. They had on party hats and had blowers. It was great.”

The reason for their singing was May 11^th wasn’t just another day at the office. It was Gail Butler’s 90^th birthday.

Mrs. Butler began working for the nursing home 33 years ago as a CNA when it was known as the Moongate Nursing Home. However, her career with the United Helpers Organization did not begin until she had already raised her 12 children, starting with the company at the age of 57.

After working as a CNA, she transitioned into medical records and then spent time working in the activities department. Today, she works as an administrative assistant/receptionist, where she is the smiling face greeting, visitors, staff and residents alike three days a week.

When asked if she envisioned herself still working at the age of 90, Mrs. Butler laughed. “I had no idea,” she said. Prior to joining United Helpers, she worked in home care for 5 years. Before that time, she was a stay-at-home mom, who also helped care for the children of several teachers who lived in the area.

“I did that while my kids were growing up,” she said.

Her tenure at United Helpers also included a brief stay as a patient following a broken hip. “I think I was here for a couple of weeks,” she said, adding in her mind there was never any doubt she would return to work.

“I wasn’t going to let that stop me,” she said. “As long as I can keep on going, I’m going to keep on working.”

Mrs. Butler’s 90^th birthday also included gifts, a cookout, and visits from several people who had worked with Mrs. Butler over the years, but had already retired.

Amongst the gifts was a photo album put together by staff, with photos of Mrs. Butler from throughout her time at United Helpers. “I couldn’t believe all the pictures,” she said. “That really brought back a lot of memories.”

In addition to her 12 children, she also has 23 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren – a total of 35 grandchildren across two different generations.

On the day before her birthday Mrs. Butler’s family held a surprise party including more than 60 guests. “How they kept that quiet for two months, I’ll never know,” she said, adding, “I was very surprised.”

In addition to her duties as an administrative assistant, Mrs. Butler volunteers her time with the activities department, hosting monthly karaoke sessions with the residents. When other guests are performing Mrs. Butler can often be seen dancing with residents and sometimes joining other entertainers for a song or two.

Mark Darou, of the Canton Goldenaires Barbershop Choir has sung with Mrs. Butler on many occasions. “She’s the best Patsy Cline around,” he said.

Prior to the cookout, the Goldenaires serenaded Mrs. Butler with Happy Birthday and a few other songs personalized to match her name. Mrs. Butler closed out the performance, at their request, with the Patsy Cline hit, “I Fall to Pieces.”

She also prides herself on having two very green thumbs, helping to care for vegetable gardens and flower gardens around the property.

“Gail really is an amazing lady who is a bundle of energy and we’re lucky to have her on our team,” said United Helpers CEO Todd R. Amo. “I know I’m not going to still be working when I’m 90.”

Following a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday from the Canton Goldenaires Barber Shop Choir, Gail Butler offered a wave of thanks to the lobby full of people who came to celebrate her 90^th birthday. Mrs. Butler still works at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care three days a week.