Longtime aide at The Villages, now a resident, gets processional on her birthday
‘We just wanted to lift up her spirits. We want her to know she is loved by many.’
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – About 15 vehicles, decorated with balloons and birthday greetings, drove by the front entrance of The Village of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center this afternoon. The vehicles all stopped so the drivers and passengers could wish Angela McNeil a happy 52nd birthday.
McNeil (second from left) is known also by her nickname “Bookie.” She worked as an aide at The Village for about 30 years. She recently suffered several strokes and is a resident now at The Villages and shares a room with her mother, who worked in the kitchen at the nursing home.
Sandy Flugel gives Angela an enthusiastic greeting. Flugel worked with McNeil for many years.
“She was the best aide ever,” Flugel said. “She took care of so many people. She has so much love.”
Robin Davis has been best friends with McNeil for 40 years, since they were kids. Davis and Latricia Poole organized today’s birthday celebration for McNeil.
“We just wanted to lift up her spirits,” Davis said. “I want her to know she is loved by many.”
Many of McNeil’s close friends presented her with a card and then danced to “We are Family” in the parking lot.
McNeil waves to one of her greeters.
The group gathers around McNeil for some dancing.
