Dedicated Berkeley Worker Still Going Strong at 90

BERKELEY, CA - In 1946 bikinis went on sale in France, the average cost of a new house was $5,600 and Tupperware was introduced. On April 10th of that year, 20-year-old Elena Griffing went to work at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley. She’s still there, working four days a week and loving every minute.

"I can't wait to come to work every day, this is my hospital," the Associated Press quotes Griffing. "I enjoy anything I can do to be of service. Truly, it's the patient that counts. If it's helping someone, it's my bag."

Now 90, Griffing basks in the adoration of coworkers, and was honored earlier this month by more than 3,000 Sutter Health leaders during Women’s History Month festivities.

“By pushing the boundaries of opportunity, Elena—and so many other influential women across the United States—shaped the destinies of future generations of women. I’m so thankful for their determination and drive,” said Sarah Krevans, president and CEO of Sutter Health in a blog post.

Griffing is busy, walking several miles daily in her current position in customer relations. When she’s not at work, she’s busy raising camellias at her Orinda home or judging camellias for various flower societies.

--Image courtesy Alta Bates Summit Medical Center