Mother and daughter enjoy rewarding careers at Medina Memorial Hospital

Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Sue Geiger, left, and her daughter Teresa Allen are both employees of Medina Memorial Hospital with Geiger the director of Materials Management, and Allen as a registered nurse.

MEDINA – The year 2025 represents a milestone for Medina Memorial Hospital. It is the 100th anniversary of its founding, during which a number of observances have been planned to celebrate.

One of those is acknowledging its staff members who have or had relatives who were also employed there.

“As Medina Memorial Hospital proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary, we are honored to reflect on a century of unwavering commitment from our team members, volunteers and community supporters,” said Scott Robinson, director of Communication, Outreach and Marketing. “Our legacy is not just the building and its story, but the incredible individuals who have given it life through the years. Sometimes we’re even lucky when those team members include second and third generation family members.”

Such is the case of Robinson,  who is the great-great-grandson of the hospital’s founder, George Bowen. The pair were spotlighted in a previous article.

The latest story is that of Sue Geiger, director of Materials Management, and her daughter Teresa Allen, a registered nurse.

The family’s Geiger’s personal story with Orleans Community Health began in 1990 when she began work in the Dietary Department, however, her mother worked there some time before her and was also the first patient to receive care at Medina Transitional Care Unit (subacute rehab).

Geiger would move from the Dietary Department into purchasing, before spending a brief time away. She returned in 1994 and by 1997 she stepped into her current leadership role.

Outside of her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren at their sporting events, caring for her dogs, reading and painting. She values the close-knit spirit of her community, sharing, “It’s a small place where you connect with people – a wonderful place to live and work.”

One of her proudest memories is having worked alongside her mother, she said. She also shared thoughts from her personal experience there.

“At city hospitals, you sometimes feel like a number,” Geiger said. “Here, you are treated with care, understanding and compassion – not just as an employee, but as a patient, too. Accommodations are always made to help in any situation.”

Continuing with family tradition, Allen has been part of the Medina Memorial family for nearly 2 1/2 years. She spent one and a half years in PCU2 and has been employed in the North Wing for the last 11 months. She loves caring for the residents and their family, always advocating for their needs, Robinson said.

“Teresa believes deeply that ‘residents always come first,’ embracing the North Wing as a true home for those she serves,” Robinson said.

Professionally, Allen finds joy in making a difference in her residents’ lives, brightening their day through small moments of care and kindness. Outside of work, she is a proud mom of three and loves spending time with her family, especially watching her kids play sports. She treasures her special connection to Medina Memorial Hospital – her mother and her “Grammy” having both worked there. With her family connection, it’s no wonder she feels like she grew up in the hospital.

“It’s a wonderful community, and we are all on the same the same team here,” Allen said.

“As we celebrate 100 years, we honor dedicated families like Teresa’s and Sue’s, who have made part of their story part of ours,” Robinson said. “Here’s to the next century of community, compassion and care.”