02/23/2026
Diane Thomson’s job in Kendal’s Laundry Services is quite physical, and that suits her just fine. “I’m not meant to be behind a desk,” says Diane, who celebrates her third anniversary working at Kendal this month.
Diane and the other two full-time and one part-time employees launder linens, bedding and towels for all residents and personal items for many Stephens Care Center residents. That means sorting, spot treating, washing, drying and then folding or hanging clothes, depending on the resident’s preference. They also do laundry for the kitchen, physical therapy and the Early Learning Center.
“I have to admit sometimes at the end of the day I’m whooped. We move all day” says the 61-year-old laundry operator.
The job, of course, includes going through pockets, where it’s not uncommon to find tissues and the occasional hearing aid, lipstick or keys. “One man kept leaving his wallet in a pocket and I said, ‘I think he’s trying to tip me,” she jokes.
Kendal uses only fragrance-free detergent, wool balls rather than sheets for drying and Dawn detergent and an enzyme remover for stains.
Laundry Supervisor Sally Eber gives tours of the laundry room every couple of months. “Residents love the tour. She shows them everything. Many residents tell us afterwards that if they come into the Stephens Care Center they know they’ll be taken care of,” she says.
Sometimes at lunch she and Sally head to the exercise room for a short workout or outside for a walk, the pair is photographed in action in the fitness center.
Diane lives in nearby Henrietta Township with her partner of many years. And yes, she does the laundry at home but since joining Kendal now does a better job.
Says Diane, “I have a better understanding of laundry and check more.”
