By Barb Winkleman, July 26, 2017 — I have had some very interesting jobs. I had gone to work at Mark’s Toys, it was a big toy company in Erie. That is where I met my first husband. Then I worked at Noble’s shoes store and then back to Mark’s Toys for another season, because that was a seasonal job.
Then I was on to St. Vincent’s Hospital where I would train as a nurse’s aide. I worked there for a few years until I had a baby. Then after that, I worked at a couple of machine shops before waitressing at the Buoy Restaurant. I did everything there, we were all like family there. I wish I was still there. Everyone helped me out when I was sick. I had to leave there.
I went to work at Hamot Hospital in the housekeeping department as a crew leader and supervisor. I had to quit as it really did my lungs in with all of the chemicals. Then I was off for a little while when my sister asked me if I wanted to go back to work and I said yes. I went to Erie insurance for about 6 years and had to quit because I really did myself in, I couldn’t even walk. So I had no choice but to file for disability. But when I worked at the restaurant I had worked with people that were sick and you learn so much from them when you love them and you watch them slowly pass away right in front of you. You learn how to care so much for someone and help them, I know I have.