Cheers for Volunteers

Marguerite Schenck has lived in Whitefish all her life. She met her future husband, Ed, on her 21st birthday, and the rest is history. Together, they raised five children and built a ski resort.

She now has seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, but has given up skiing. She enjoys her regular bridge games and visiting with friends, but especially enjoys her regular Sunday afternoon "get-togethers' with all her family.

Marg, as she is known to her many friends, earned her registered-nurse degree in Spokane, Wash., and has worked at three hospitals in Whitefish — the old John B. Simons, the old North Valley and the new North Valley hospitals.

During her career she has freely given of her time to the community. She was the originator of the hospice program in the Flathead and worked with such organizations as the Cancer Society, Red Cross, Buffalo Hill Terrace and Flathead County. She now confines her volunteering to North Valley Hospital.

She volunteers because, although she is restricted from the rigors of nursing, "I feel that I'm doing work that makes other hands free to perform those services which I can no longer do."

She particularly enjoys meeting new people and speaks highly of those with whom she works. In her words, "I enjoy volunteering — I look forward to it, I really do." Her co-workers are equally effusive in their description of her, citing her dependability, her cheerful smile and her depth of knowledge.

Marg, through the years you have brought care and comfort to many people. You have contributed hugely in making our community into the wonderful place it is today, and we thank you.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail jheckathorn@centurytel.net.