Readman is model of service

Readman will receive the honor at the chamber’s annual banquet Friday at the Holiday Inn.

“It’s an honor, I can’t believe it,” said Readman. “A lot of people don’t get appreciated in a lifetime and I thank everyone who voted for me.”

Cecile (Chovan) Readman was born and raised in International Falls and said she knew from age 13 that she wanted to be a nurse. After high school in 1953, she studied nursing at St. Boniface in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for a year and then worked at Falls Memorial Hospital as a licensed practical nurse for six years, and as a Boise paper mill industrial nurse for 25 years.

She credits many along the way with helping her to reach that goal, including Anna May Sullivan, a former head nurse at the local nursing home, followed by Jeanine Alich and Kathy Ellsworth.

After leaving Boise, Readman worked at the nursing home for another five years and served as volunteer administrator for a few years after retirement. She said the nursing home is practically in her back yard and that volunteering helps her stay energetic and keeps her mind busy.

“It is also because I love it, especially when I am helping people,” she added.

Readman said that Adam Coe, executive director of the Good Samaritan Society – International Falls, along with Sue Zaren, registered nurse, are great to work with. The two nominated Readman for the award.

Coe said that Readman is an exceptional, long time advocate for those they serve, as well as staff and community seniors.

“Cecile currently serves on our advisory board, and is always advocating for the quality services we offer to older persons and others in need and for the staff that provide these quality services,” said Coe. “She also volunteers and works at special events and is more than gracious in helping us reach our financial goals.”

Zaren also recognized Readman’s advocacy for seniors.

“Cecile also worked as an LPN at the nursing home for many years and was wonderful to all of the residents,” said Zaren.

Readman served on the nursing home board when it was established under then administrator Laurie Sykes.

“She was a wonderful person to work for,” said Readman of Sykes. Readman recalled they worked to establish the River’s Edge Villa on the first floor.

Readman continues serving on the board today as a way of keeping up on what is going on with the organization. She is helping to plan Nursing Home Week activities each day from May 11-15.

The events are a good way for people to see how they can help out at the facility, Readman said. They can come in to read and write letters for elders, help set hair, and do many other things, she said.

“That is a wonderful thing,” she said. “They can’t imagine how wonderful it makes them feel.”

At other times of the year, she helps put together the Elks Club Senior Prom for seniors. The Elks Club, she said, is doing wonderful things that many people just don’t know about.

“I just have such a wonderful satisfaction from taking care of old people,” said Readman.

“I turned 75 in January and I certainly don’t feel like it,” she added. “I feel wonderful, and have been in good health all of my life, which is a plus.”

She said that after her first husband, Elmer, died in 1984, she was alone for about seven years and volunteering was a way to stay active. She and her second husband, Harry, knew each other since high school and reconnected around 2000. They married in 2001.

After her first husband died, she got more involved and had more time for Catholic Daughters, Moose Club, Elks Club, the VFW and the Kiwanis. She also volunteers a lot with St. Thomas Catholic Church.

When she is not working with the elderly, Readman said she is helping with fundraising, on scholarship committees, or with organizing events like the area’s Christmas parade.

In her little spare time, she and her husband enjoy numerous activities together.

“I bowl all winter and golf all summer,” said Readman.