News

Christy Smith Truly Cared For Others

A Tribute to Rosewood employee Christy Smith, who passed away Feb. 22, 2014

In an average lifetime, typically we meet just a handful of people who stand out from the rest. These outstanding folks are people who have an exceptional ability to truly care for others from the depths of their heart, even at the sacrifice of their own comfort. Christy Smith was one of those special people.

Sixteen years ago, the very first week Rosewood Services began, Christy became one of our first residential employees. Christy and her friend Sylvia had been caring for twin sisters, Margaret and Martha, for several years. The twins were in the process of switching services to our newly formed agency. On that day, as we sat on a basement floor, with no chairs and in meager surroundings, Christy and Sylvia accepted my promise of a paycheck at the end of the month. They weren’t looking for a different job, but they were committed to following Margaret and Martha to their new opportunity.

I gained Christy’s trust on that day, and we gained a dedicated employee who served from the heart at Rosewood Services for many years. Christy put her heart and soul into everything she did, whether it was caring for people with disabilities, or cleaning the house in her role as a residential employee.

We will always be thankful to Christy for her dedicated service to people with developmental disabilities. I cherish the nearly 16 years we were able to work together at Rosewood Services. 

Christy will truly be missed by me, her fellow employees, and by all who loved her.

Sincerely,

Tammy Hammond

Executive Director, Rosewood Services