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Members of the South County Senior Center celebrate Sue Corey, who served as program coordinator for 12 years. -
South County Senior Center Program Coordinator Sue Corey is leaving the position after 12 years. -
At her going away party on Oct. 13, Program Coordinator Sue Corey, at right, speaks with South County Senior Center member Joanne Provost.
SOUTH DEERFIELD — After 12 years, five directors and at least three locations, one of the South County Senior Center’s pillars of consistency is moving on to “a new adventure.”
Sue Corey, the center’s longtime program coordinator, spent her last day working with the seniors of Deerfield, Sunderland and Whately on Oct. 13 — as her staff and the folks she worked with surprised her with a party — and officially began her new job as the Sunderland Fire Department’s clerk on Oct. 16.
Corey said she wanted to take on a new role in the community, but she will miss everyone that has become a part of her “extended family” throughout her time at the Senior Center.
“I’m really sad to go, but it’s time,” Corey said. “I love the seniors, absolutely love them. … I feel totally blessed to be able to meet and know of all these people.”
Throughout her tenure, Corey has served as a consistent resource for folks, even as directors have left and the future of the Senior Center’s space has been up in the air. She noted the center being split between the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in South Deerfield and its second building in Sunderland was an additional stressor put on her.
“It’s very difficult moving between the two buildings with limited hours. It really impacted how much work I could actually get done,” she said. “I am very fortunate to be able to spend that much time with the seniors, I just wish that they could have a permanent place to call their own.”
The most important thing she said she wishes people would understand about the Senior Center is the number of services and programs that are available to people beyond being a place to socialize.
“A lot of people think it’s a place to just hang out, which it’s not,” she said. “There’s so many valuable services and information that can help people.”
At two points, Corey even served as interim director for up to six months, with the last period being an approximately four-month stretch in 2021 and 2022 prior to the hiring of current Director Jennifer Remillard, who said Corey has been essential to the operation of the Senior Center.
“We’re definitely going to miss having her at the center and the seniors are going to miss her as well,” Remillard said. “She’s done a lot and she’s given so much. … We wish her the best.”
Despite leaving the role, Corey will still be around for some events, especially to run the Friday cribbage tournaments, which are beloved by members of the center.
“Over the years, I’ve lost a lot of people, but I feel so blessed to be a part of their life and that they involve me in a part of their life,” Corey said. “It’s an extended family.”
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.