Imagine boarding a luxury ocean liner bound for the majestic state of Alaska, understandably the top
cruise destination in the world. Visualize sailing across the Gulf of
Alaska, vibrant blue water interspersed with icebergs and crystalline
glaciers. Your floating palace follows miles of pristine coastline.
Sailing along with you through this remarkable wilderness are majestic
whales, providing enjoyment to all who are lucky enough to catch a
glimpse. I am sorry that we can’t join Edith, who will be departing on
this wonderful journey in August.
Edith Oliphant is a native Detroiter,
raised on the East side of the city. After graduating from South
Eastern High School, she started her working career at a hospital known
as McGregor Center. McGregor was a small hospital that provided medical
and pediatric care as well as psychiatric treatment. The hospital was
affiliated with the McGregor
Foundation, the Wayne State Medical School and BC/BS. The hospital was
located on E. Jefferson and the river west of the Belle Isle Bridge.
Edith worked in the billing and accounting department. The small
facility was unable to meet the patient/bed capacity required by BC/BS
and closed in 1967.
After
the closure of McGregor, Edith applied for a position at BC/BS. She was
interviewed and within a week was hired and embarked on a new and
successful career with BC/BS. If you had the opportunity to climb the
stairs and enter the main lobby of the BC/BS Building on Lafayette
Blvd., then you undoubtedly have had the pleasure
of meeting Edith. Her special personality and famous rapport with all
of those who entered the building made her a natural for this position
in the main lobby. Whether a visitor to BC/BS or an employee, you were
guaranteed a genuine smile and a kind word when Edith was on duty. She
held this position for over twenty years, until retirement. Her business
like rapport combined with a friendly greeting made all who came in
contact with Edith, a fan.
Edith was married to a wonderful man for
many years and together they had a son and daughter. Prior to her
husband’s extended illness and death; they were able to travel to
Bermuda, California as well as extended exploration of the East coast.
Edith is a member of St. Isaac Jogues
Church, where she participates in a Macomb County program called McRest.
The churches in Macomb County take turns housing the homeless or
displaced, for an entire week at a time. These people are provided with
shelter and meals and in the morning are driven to their place of
employment or to another county facility. Edith also volunteers during
the school year as a playground supervisor.
Whether Edith is behind the desk at
BC/BS, working at the shelter, or supervising the playground, she
continues to have a positive influence on those around her.
We wish Edith the best at her work as
well as on her upcoming voyage.
Good Luck and Bon Voyage, Edith!
