Somebody once described Warren Senior Center Executive Director Betty Hoague as a “beautiful person inside and out.” They weren’t far off.

Last Friday afternoon in front of a jam-packed crowd inside the Warren Senior Center, Hoague was treated to a retirement party for the ages. It was quite fitting for a woman whose connection with the senior population in this fair town enjoys every accolade that could be thrown her way.

“I’ve known Betty Hoague for 59 years and she’s always been caring and well-respected in everything she’s ever done,” said Warren Housing Authoring Executive Director Michael Abbruzzi. “I’ve known her my whole life. We have been so fortunate to have her when she came here to the Senior Center 20 years ago. She’s been so wonderful.”

Betty Hoague’s retirement party drew loud rounds of applause (and a few tears) from many of the seniors and friends who have interacted with her these past two decades, most notably, Ann Primiano, the senior center’s kitchen manager.

“Betty was great to work with,” said Primiano. “Besides being a great boss, she was a greater friend. She definitely deserves this great recognition for all her hard work. The seniors loved her and she loved them. There were many times I saw her go way beyond for them. I’ll miss her dearly, and I hope she has a great retirement.”

Anne Sousa, volunteer in the Senior Center lunch program, echoed the same sentiments.

“I’ll miss seeing Betty every day,” she said. “She’s such a pleasant and caring person. She’s loved so much here.”

Betty’s retirement party schedule began with food and beverages, which were served in the dining room, followed by introductions by Riana France, Warren Housing Authority resident service coordinator, and words of welcome by Michael Abbruzzi.

The day’s activities continued with a video presentation whereby many of Betty’s seniors had a chance to wish her well and look back on some wonderful moments together. As the day wore on, Betty was presented with many wonderful gifts and remarks from Senior Center groups, including a ukulele group performance. The day’s activities ended with a great musical performance by Atwater Donnelly.

Karen Emmes, East Bay Community Action Program Senior Nutrition Coordinator, was also present and commented on Betty’s value to the senior center all these years.

“She’s done so much for all the seniors,” she noted. “I’ve always enjoyed coming to the Senior Center here. Betty is such a wonderful person. I wish her all the best.”

Also making presentations on Betty’s behalf were some of her special groups, including the knitting, mahjong, ukulele, and ceramics and AARP tax groups.

With her beloved family by her side, including her husband David, three children, Kathleen, Nicholas and Michael, and four grandsons, Betty Hoague couldn’t thank everyone enough for an event that she will long remember.

“It has been a privilege to serve our senior community,” she said. “Our center has played an important role in our community providing services, lunch and socialization. With its 500 current members, it is a welcoming place where we all enjoy a part of our day together.”

In the end, the legacy that Betty Hoague will leave behind is certainly something that will live in the hearts of all those who were all lucky enough to have her as part of their lives.

Town Council recognizes Hoague’s departure
The Warren Town Council also honored Hoague during their Aug. 8 meeting, reading off a proclamation that outlined some of the accomplishments she achieved during her two decades of service to the town’s senior population.

“She is the spark that keeps the Center fresh and alive, and the glue that holds it together. Betty Hoague has been and is a one-woman force of nature at Andreozzi Hall,” said Council President John Hanley, reading from the proclamation. “The Senior Center has grown its membership and programs by leaps and bounds since Betty took the helm two decades ago. Today, the ‘hall’ is a vibrant hub that serves up meals and friendships daily.”

The proclamation stated how Hoague managed the Senior Meal Site, which serves lunches to more than 100 seniors and disabled residents five days a week, and has provided crucial services such as helping with health insurance forms, tax filing, and providing seniors with exercise and enrichment opportunities and flu shot clinics.

“During the pandemic, when the Center was forced to close, Betty maintained her post, answering questions, setting up inoculation appointments, addressing the concerns of residents who relied heavily on her knowledge and compassion for guidance — never too busy to lend an ear and offer advice and reassurance,” Hanley continued. “We are grateful for her service to the Town and wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement. She will be missed.”

During a special meeting on Tuesday evening, the Council unanimously approved Kyra Little as the new Director of the Senior Center.