Receptionist holds no plans to retire, even as she nears age 80
June 01, 2016
Nelida “Nell” Goguen has been on the go since she was born eight decades ago in Canada. After moving to the United States, she was busy raising her family, then later working. She found her niche as a secretary and receptionist, jobs which gave her the opportunity to do what she loves best: meeting and helping people. In her “spare” time, she excelled at roller dancing, skating with a partner and traveling all over New England winning trophies. “I’d still be doing it but don’t want to take a chance of a fall,” she said.
Now, at Cedar Mountain Commons, located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive, she is the friendly face greeting visitors as they enter. Three days a week, 12 hours a day, she is answering phones and assisting others in getting the answers they need. Even though most people are retired by age 79, Goguen is having too much fun working. “I enjoy my residents, talking to them and problem solving. They are like family; we can relate to each other,” she said. “I’m a people person,” she said.
She barely gives a thought to her upcoming 80th birthday on June 8. “It’s only a number,” she said.