Cottage Health celebrates employee’s 100th birthday and retirement

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-Cottage Health moved Juana "Jenny" Cue's birthday and retirement party indoors due to rain, but that didn't put a damper on the celebration.

After working at a local lemon packing plant in the 1940s, Cue got hired by Cottage Hospital's linen department where she made her folding technique look like dance moves.

In the 1990's she worked in the sterile processing department and wrapped linen's and basins for sterilization. She was usually the first to arrive and last to leave.

"We are so thankful for her on her 100th birthday and all the wonderful knowledge she brings and the history and we are just thankful she was been a part of Cottage for so long," said Cottage Health's Chief Human Resources Officer Cara Williams.

Cue who was born in Kansas on March 22, 1923 had her three children at Cottage Hospital

More than 20 of her relatives including her great-great grandchild were born at Cottage. too.

"Her dedication here to Cottage hospital for 70 years is just a testimony for her commitment to do right," said her son Ed, " I think that is something that has spread through both myself and my sisters and all her grandchildren."

Before cutting the cake the hospital's CEO Ron Werft gave her the key to the penthouse--not to the city. He said it was something they joked about when they rebuilt the hospital.

The hospital presented her with a $3,000 gift check and flowers.

Staff members said Cue has been an important part of the staff for more than half the hospital's 131 year history.

Everyone joined together to sing "Happy Birthday."