PortagePointe Neighbor of the Month | Elaine Pavolich

This monthly spotlight will feature a resident at PortagePointe. We look forward to getting to know a resident and sharing their life lessons! 

What was your first job? 

My first job was taking care of my four children, as well as being a nurse's aide for 43 years. In 1956, I started at St. Joesph's where I worked with four other staff to help treat 70 patients. I worked with one of the PortagePointe nurse's mother in the past — small world.

What is your favorite activity that is offered at PortagePointe? 

My favorite activity at PortagePointe is bingo. I have never missed a game!

What are the most important lessons you have learned in your life? 

Taking care of yourself and your family is very important, never forget that. I lost my son due to being wounded while in Vietnam. 

What did you and your siblings do for fun? 

We loved playing games in our backyard, tag and hide and seek were the top favorites. 

Tell us something interesting about yourself that some people may not know about you. 

I worked until I was 76 years old. I took my last job at 71, where I was working at Keweenaw Home Services. My job was to care for the residents in their homes for a couple of hours a day or as needed. 

What do you enjoy most about living at PortagePointe? 

I enjoy going to bingo, the staff are exceptional, and I love having my private room.