At GreenFields of Geneva senior living community, residents often say it feels like family and for Karen Tomko, it truly is.
Karen has worked at GreenFields for six years, first as the life enrichment manager and now as director of sales. With a long career in senior living, Karen says the work continues to feel deeply purposeful and fulfilling. “There’s something so special about being part of a community where you get to make a meaningful difference in people’s live every day,” she said.
Karen is beloved by residents and team members alike. And, so is her family.
All three of her children have worked in the dining department, creating bonds of their own with residents. Her daughter Annie was the first to work there. She started when she was in high school and now still returns during college breaks while attending Notre Dame. Abby worked there during the summer of 2023. Most recently, Karen’s son Finn joined the team.
“Finn started as soon as he turned 16,” Karen said. “Initially he wanted a job close to home, but the real reason was that he had grown up hearing about GreenFields. He’d heard so many stories from me and his sisters about how wonderful the residents are. And it’s a perfect place to make new friends with other servers and the residents.”
Resident Helen Meints summed up the connection perfectly: “We are so connected to Annie because she is so connected to us. And now we are just delighted to be around her and Finn.”
This spring, the GreenFields circle grew even wider for Karen’s family. Her father, Joe Fidler, became a resident.
“The decision to move my dad to GreenFields was an easy one,” said Karen. “There is no better place to live. The residents are welcoming, kind, and fun. The team members are so dedicated and put their whole heart into their work. Our parent company, Lifespace, has been around for almost 50 years, so I have complete confidence that he will be well cared for for the rest of his life.”
Joe has embraced community life wholeheartedly. “I see him every morning when I come in,” Karen said. “I pop into the dining room and shoot the breeze with him and his buddies. He goes to the fitness center every day, so I bump into him quite a bit. He loves seeing my kids and especiall enjoys it when they’re his server.”
Joe recently celebrated his 82nd birthday at GreenFields, surrounded by family, both related and chosen.
“What a gift,” Karen said, “to be surrounded by your family and all of your new friends.”
GreenFields of Geneva
GreenFields of Geneva is a premier senior living community providing an active and engaging retirement lifestyle in an ideal location. As a Life Plan Community, formerly known as a CCRC, GreenFields offers a complete continuum of care: independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. GreenFields of Geneva is owned by Lifespace Communities, a non-profit organization with more than 45 years of experience in senior living. For additional information, call 630/578-7969 or visit www.GreenFieldsGeneva.org
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Contact: Wendy Foster
Company: IVY Marketing Group
Telephone: 630-290-9237
For: GreenFields of Geneva
Website: https://www.greenfieldsgeneva.org
