A Legacy of Service: Jody Gulish Retires After 11 Years of Leadership and Compassion at Passavant Community

On March 19, 2013, Jody Gulish walked through the doors of Olde Main at Passavant Community for her first day as Director of Community and Abundant Life. Little did she know that eleven and a half years later, her journey would culminate in a legacy of compassionate service, leadership, and deep personal connections.

Now, after more than a decade of enriching the lives of residents, Gulish has retired, leaving behind a profound impact on the community she served with such devotion.

“I remember walking in, and I was scared to death,” Gulish recalled with a laugh. “The first person I saw was Cathy Reid, the Life Enrichment Coordinator at the time. She sat down with me, showed me the ropes, and spent quite a bit of time helping me adjust. We bonded immediately, and that relationship became one of the most meaningful parts of my experience here.”

 

That bond between Gulish and Reid proved to be both fortuitous and enduring. Years later, Reid has stepped into a new leadership role, taking over part of Gulish’s responsibilities as Reid transitions to overseeing volunteer services and community outreach.

 

“The relationships built, the friendships made—at the end of it all, there’s Cathy, still here,” said Gulish, reflecting on their journey together. “It’s come full circle. I was able to pass part of the torch to her, and she’s earned a promotion that’s so well deserved.”

 

For Reid, the mentorship she received from Gulish was life-changing.

 

“She was an incredible mentor,” said Reid. “I learned so much from her. As a friend, she embodies compassion and courage, offering love and a listening ear. I truly love her.”

 

As Reid embraces her new role, Brian Damaska will take on another key part of Gulish’s responsibilities.

 

“I’m honored to take on these new responsibilities and continue the incredible work Jody has done,” Damaska said. “Her dedication to fostering a vibrant, engaged community is something I deeply admire, and I’m excited to build upon that foundation. Jody’s commitment to enriching the lives of residents has been extraordinary, and her passion will be greatly missed.”

 

Gulish’s tenure at Passavant Community is defined not just by the programs she led, but by the meaningful relationships she nurtured. Her oversight of the My Day Out program, an adult day center that provides planned activities, nutritious meals, medication management, and companionship, reflected her dedication to purposeful living.

 

“The residents are the most important part of what we do here, but it’s also about the relationships you build and nurture, and providing that sense of purpose,” Gulish said. “My purpose has been to serve here. I’ve never considered it work; I’ve always considered it service.”

 

When asked to recall her most cherished moments at Passavant, Gulish cited two events that stood out above the rest. The first was the Veterans Day Tribute in the fall of 2023, during which Pennsylvania State Representative, Stephanie Schlabria, personally pinned each veteran with a commemorative medal.

 

“We had seven World War II veterans here at the time,” Gulish recounted. “The look on their faces when they were honored for their service was unforgettable. It was an honor to be in a room full of heroes.”

 

Another event close to Gulish’s heart was the annual Honoring Women’s Celebration, which is a celebration of mothers, daughters, grandmothers, friends, and mentors held around Mother’s Day.

 

“What started as a small gathering of 25 women has grown over 100” she said. “I love that event because it lifts people up and reminds them of their value and purpose.”

 

While Gulish’s career has been defined by service, her retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that will allow her to spend more time with her family and pursue personal passions—like traveling the country to attend NASCAR races. Gulish and her family, including her husband Tom and their son Joey, who has cerebral palsy, are avid NASCAR fans.

 

“Joey is the reason I ultimately made this decision,” Gulish shared with a smile. “He’s very outspoken, and one day he said to me, ‘Mom, please retire before Dad’s too old to drive.’ My husband is a few years older, and Joey wants us to take some trips together. So, with that in mind, I agreed. Joey already has plans for us.”

 

As she steps away from her role, Gulish reflects on the past eleven and a half years with a deep sense of gratitude.

 

“I have been where I have wanted to be for these past eleven and a half years. I couldn’t ask for a better place,” said Gulish.