Photo by Lester Smith
Suffield by the River proprietor Celia Moffie is pictured next to the birthday cake for the 18th anniversary of the facility on November 29.
When she founded Suffield by the River eighteen years ago, Celia Moffie’s goal was “…to provide the most emotionally and physically satisfying environment possible…” for a retirement population. As elders’ lives changed, Celia wished to make their lives as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
To further her goal, Celia inspired staff with deep caring and concern, qualities which thrive at Suffield by the River. Complimented on her dedication to residents, one staffer said, “Celia inspires us. She has very high standards and she expects us to share them.”
With her tightly-knit community of staff and residents, Celia celebrated the 18th anniversary of Suffield by the River on Tuesday November 29 at a festive dinner.
A lawyer by profession, Celia attributes her inspiration and motivation to her family. Her parents and five siblings shared a home life committed to each other and to others. Celia’s father established nursing homes, believing that every employee should be dedicated to serving patients. He learned to speak Spanish in order to work well with Hispanic employees, going into laundry rooms of his establishments to converse with his workers in Spanish.
The devoted service of staffers at Suffield by the River yields warm stability. Barbara Catania, evening receptionist, has been at the front desk since the beginning in 1998. Karen Isabelle, Celia’s assistant administrator and Jorge Gutierrez, executive chef, have also been at the River since 1998. Many co- workers have been with them for more than ten years. With competence and comfort, the staff can willingly take responsibility for Suffield by the River whenever the need arises.
Its peaceful setting by the river gives the community a natural environment for joyful resting, healing and serenity. Staff and keepers maintain both the human and natural environments with care. Thus they provide the success Celia Moffie deserves for making changing lives of elders “…as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.”