CALLICOON — Delaware Valley Job Corps Center Human Resources Coordinator Ellen Heller retired this past Friday, finishing up a career with the Corps lasting just shy of 44 years.

Heller is the longest serving employee of the Delaware Valley Job Corps.

“I don’t have enough words to express my memories,” said Heller. “I have worked with a lot of good people and don’t want to forget anyone.”

Prior to her arrival in Callicoon in 1980, Heller had gained experience working with the Salvation Army in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Her proficiency in typing, which she acquired during her high school years, had been consistently utilized throughout her employment history. 

“Ms. Heller was one of the first people I met at DV 20 years ago and has been a fixture at the center since it first transitioned to a Job Corps Center,” said Center Director Matthew Bliefernich. “Ellen has been an incredibly dedicated and valued team member often providing helpful local insight and perspective when we are planning or coordinating activities and community engagement.”

Motivated by her determination to continue making a positive impact in her community, Heller sought out job opportunities and was promptly offered a position at Job Corps within days of applying. 

Recognizing the significant role that Job Corps played as one of the largest employers in Sullivan County during that time, Heller embraced its mission, fueled by her drive to help her local community.She got to enjoy a lot of aspects about her job over her countless years of dedicated work. With a proficiency for helping those around her, it shouldn’t come as a shock that she most enjoyed the people she met.

“I got to meet a lot of interesting people,” Heller recalled. “Since I am the first person the employee will meet with when Onboarding, I get to talk with them one-on-one. You get to know someone that way.”

Since then, she has been a mainstay in Callicoon, which she still proudly calls home.

Mark, her husband, shares the same age as her. A former employee of the Department of Corrections, he retired 15 years ago. Together over the years, they created their own family. Their eldest daughter has made a home in the South while her youngest resides nearby. 

She states that she has been happily blessed with three exceptional grandchildren who bring endless joy to their lives.

She nodded at the people that tell her she’ll be bored in retirement, but to her, this will only happen if one lets it.

“I want to start living and enjoying my life. I do have a six year old grandson that will keep me busy this summer,” Heller said. “During the spring and summer, I am outside attending to my flowers.”

Looking towards the future, she is eager and ready to start a new chapter in her life. She emphasizes that you never know what the future may hold for you.

“My husband always told me that I would know when it was time to retire,” she said. “I felt it was the perfect time now.”

“She will be deeply missed,” said Bliefernich. “I wish her the best and hope she is able to spend more time with those closest to her now that she will have the time. Congratulations Ellen! We will miss you!”