WHEN HER ELDERLY AUNT WAS ADMITTED TO MAGNOLIA MANOR, an assisted living community in Smithfield, Millie Dixon ('46) became a regular volunteer. And when her aunt died, Dixon never found it in her heart to leave Magnolia Manor. Finding one's passion in life often occurs at the least expected time.

Dixon, who worked for the Newport News Shipbuilding Credit Union for 20 years, came out of a 24-year retirement and joined the staff of Magnolia Manor as resident and life services coordinator in 1989. Dixon says she entertained thoughts of "What am I doing?" But the smile on her face reassures anyone who may wonder how much she loves what she is doing.

Dixon spends her days at Magnolia Manor planning both in-house and off-premises activities for the residents, including today's origami class. Expecting her slightly aged hands to fumble with the paper swan, Dixon folds her new creation with precision. "I've never done this before, I swear," she says, as she assists residents with their projects. Various activities, from weekly manicures and exercise classes to afternoon movies and craft projects, fill the residents' agendas, thanks to Dixon's creativity. When not working at the center, she spends her time running personal errands for the residents.

"Sharing time with the residents is what I love most about my job, especially the times I can lead the group to reminisce and share funny memories," she says.

Most residents come to Magnolia Manor late in life, after spending 40 or 50 years in their own homes. Making the transition from a private home to the "family of residents" as smooth as possible is Dixon's priority. "Sharing time with residents is like sharing days with a large family," she says. "Even simple activities like having ice cream can be fun. Bonding with the residents and helping them become part of the family truly brings me pleasure."

Dixon's job requires the passion and energy usually found in 20- or 30-somethings, but she says that the day she retires will be the day she "wakes up and no longer has a desire to go to work. The thing is, that day has not come. So I guess the director will just have to ask me to retire. I only have one speed -- forward."

-- Kyra Papafil ('04)