By Joe Morey
News Editor
Long-time employee of the LCO Health Center, Mary Hanlon (DeMarr), retired on Nov. 30, after 34 years of dedicated service to the clinic and the community. She was honored with a check, an eagle feather, Pendleton Blanket and a beautiful bouquet of flowers she received from the Health Center.
Mary’s family released a statement acknowledging the current pandemic as the reason she had to make a tough decision to retire.
“We wish Mary a blessed retirement and are so thankful that she has supported our health center and community these many years,” stated Gary Girard, LCO Health Center Director.
LCO Health Center Human Resources Director, Sara Klecan, said she is wishing Mary the very best in her retirement.
“We are going to miss her and we thank her for all her service. We hope she comes back someday as she was a huge part of why we have such a great Health Center,” Klecan stated.
Prior to her 34 years at the clinic, Mary worked several years at the LCO Ojibwe School a teacher/teacher’s aide.
Mary is the daughter of Raymond and Mary DeMarr and is the eldest of 10 children. She married Jack Hanlon in March of 1977 and their marriage is still going strong over 43 years later!
“She is the mother of six, grandmother of 18 and great-grandmother of four, so during her years of service with the LCO Health Center she had (and still has) her hands full,” family members Jack, Matt, Catrina, Carol, Casey, John and baby Hanlon (RIP) noted in their letter to LCO News. “Mary is always busy whether it is at work or home. She has always been and continues to be a very good role model for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, countless nieces and nephews. Mary has never let her job or children stop her from continuing her education or going to BINGO when she can (haha).”
They concluded their letter stating Mary has put a lifetime into her job and it is appreciated.
“We hope that you slow down and enjoy your retirement!”
Mary pictured up top with her Pendleton blanket. In middle photo are Mary with her sister Betty (left) and daughters Cassandra and Catrina. At bottom was Mary at an honoring in 2019 with other clinic staff who were all honored for over 30 years of service.