The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. For Kathy Shaw, the kitchen at Danville Hospital has an equally important place in her life. There are two reasons for that. One, it’s where she started her career with Hendricks Regional Health 50 years ago this fall, and two, it’s where Larry Shaw caught her eye. The two will celebrate their 46th wedding anniversary later in the year.
As you can imagine, the Nutrition Services Specialist has seen many, many changes at Hendricks throughout her decades here. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that it’s still a place to get great food.
“We used to have couples come for Sunday dinner,” said Kathy. “They wouldn’t even know anyone in the hospital, but they would come for the fried chicken and ‘killer gravy,’ which is what we called it.”
While Kathy has had a few different roles at Hendricks, she answers the phone in the Nutrition & Dietetics department call center today and delivers meals to inpatients.
“I love hearing Kathy on the phone with our patients and seeing her interact with them and fellow associates. Kathy makes amazing connections with everyone she encounters, and it’s because people can tell she truly cares about them,” said Clinical Nutrition Manager Lisa Maccaroni. “No matter what’s on the menu for the day, Kathy always serves kindness and a smile.”
Culture and people have driven Kathy to remain at Hendricks for so long.
“I’ve never felt like just a number here,” said Kathy. “Of course, when I first got my job, Hendricks was in one building in Danville, and we all knew each other. We’ve grown so much but have done a great job keeping that close-knit feel. I always run into people who used to have different roles, and it’s like a reunion.”
Speaking of reunions, Hendricks is a family affair for Kathy. Not only was her husband, Larry, an associate—he worked in the Engineering and Bio-Med departments for 48 years—but her daughter, Lana is a past associate. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews have also been part of the staff.
Reflecting on her time at Hendricks, the Coatesville native recalls several fond memories, including the original small kitchen. She’s thrilled to be in the current space but misses the window that made the nutrition and dietetics team the unofficial meteorologists for Hendricks and the little frog that would regularly hang out there. Kathy also remembers when HRH sent cookies to the troops deployed during the Gulf War and the cooks-turned-friends along the way.
In her free time, Kathy enjoys crocheting, game nights and spending time with her family – of course!
“Fifty years is a special milestone that speaks to Kathy’s incredible commitment to Hendricks, our patients and our community,” said President and CEO Dr. Michelle Fenoughty. “Please join me in congratulating Kathy and thanking both her and Larry for their part in making Hendricks the special place it is.”
