Public Employee Press

DC 37 Health and Security Deputy Administrator Jean Thoens retires

Jean Thoens, deputy administrator of the DC 37 Health and Security Fund, received a warm send-off from her colleagues at a retirement party on June 22. Thoens, whose responsibilities included overseeing the fund's dental centers, worked at the union for more than 40 years.

"You can't work so many years with people without making a lot of friends, so I'm hoping to keep up those friendships and come back to see you," Thoens said. "This is going to be a big change in my life and I am really looking forward to it."

Co-workers offered kind words and retirement gifts and showed a humorous PowerPoint presentation with Elvis Presley singing "Viva Las Vegas."

"You mean so much to this council," said Program Coordinator Frances M. Curtis, speaking for the executive staff. "You will always be remembered for your contributions."

Administrator Cynthia Chin-Marshall said, "You will be missed. This is the beginning of your new life. May it be long and may it be happy."

Audrey Iszard, executive vice president of the Retirees Association, expressed her appreciation for Thoens's dedication to the concerns of retired members.

"As associate director, many lives your goodness did reach," said Audrey Browne, director of regulatory compliance, in a poem she read to Thoens.