After 59 years of service at Ascension Saint Agnes, Jackie Brock, RN, was celebrated by associates, family and friends with a “Tunnel of Gratitude” retirement sendoff on Aug. 14.
Around 100 people gathered in the hospital halls to honor Jackie and celebrate nearly six decades of service.
Jackie began her career at Ascension Saint Agnes on July 3, 1967. Over the years, she served as an orthopedic head nurse, emergency department leader, operating room circulator nurse, and nurse advocate.
“I wanted to be an inspiration to people,” Jackie said. “There are good people here, and I wanted to be instrumental in making a stressful situation less stressful.”
The celebration included a blessing, breakfast, cake and a toast, along with 59 roses presented to Jackie一 one for each year of service. She also received a Certificate of Recognition from Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and a Governor’s Citation from Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
“Jackie embodies the heart of nursing,” said Wendy Lincoln, Chief Nursing Officer, Ascension Saint Agnes. “She provided clinical expertise, cared for patients with compassion, and mentored the next generation of nurses. Her 59 years of service have touched countless lives and we will be eternally grateful that she chose to share her heart and talents with us.”
Jackie was also wrapped in a special “blanket of appreciation and love” as associates and friends recognized the difference she has made at Ascension Saint Agnes.
One of those longtime friends, Frances Ladmirault King, has known Jackie since they were teenagers. She was there when Jackie graduated from nursing school at Ascension Saint Agnes and was there again nearly six decades later for Jackie’s retirement.
“It’s beautiful! What she has done is really magnificent,” said King. “Everthing is wonderful about her and I’m glad I could come.”
For Jackie, nursing was a calling she discovered as a child.
“I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 8 years old,” she said. “It never felt like a job. It was what I wanted.”
As she retires, Jackie said leaving is bittersweet after spending most of her life at Ascension Saint Agnes.
“It’s been a long road, but I never felt like driving past the hospital,” Jackie said. “I always wanted to come in to see what I could do to help.”
