Susan L. Pfister — the only director the Westport Center for Senior Activities has known at its Imperial Avenue home — has announced her retirement.
She leaves the post she has made an enormous mark on, effective January 1.
Sue Pfister
Pfister has spent 35 years with Westport’s Department of Human Services. She was hired in 1987, after graduating from Sacred Heart University with a bachelor’s in social work.
She earned a master’s in social work at Fordham University, and dedicated her career to supporting Westport senior citizens.
The Senior Center had humble beginnings, and no permanent home. It bounced between the YMCA, Greens Farms Elementary School, Longshore and Staples High School.
Pfister helped lead construction of the Imperial Avenue facility in 2004, ahead of schedule and under budget. She also oversaw the 2016 expansion.
Westport’s Senior Center serves hundreds of people daily, thanks in large part to Pfister’s expertise and administration. “Sue’s Café” is just one honor. It was named in recognition of her establishment of the daily congregate meal program, complete with its own chef.
Westporters of all ages — along with town officials, and her colleagues around the state — admire Pfister’s creativity, resourcefulness and inclusive vision.
Sue Pfister (seated, right), at her beloved Senior Center.
She says:
I’m honored to have had the opportunity to spend my entire career with the Town of Westport. Westport truly values and recognizes the important role seniors play in the community.
I send heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the various administrations, boards and commissions, town departments and staff, instructors and volunteers, and most importantly, my staff for supporting me throughout my career. I will always call Westport my home away from home.
The Westport Senior Center.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker adds:
Westport residents, and in particular our seniors and their families and caregivers, have been blessed with Sue’s presence. Through her due diligence and oversight, the Senior Center has become a crown jewel of Westport, offering comprehensive programs that enhance the lives of seniors and create countless opportunities for seniors and volunteers to enjoy friendships and daily enrichment.
Sue always has the best interests of those she cared for at the forefront. Her considerate nature and calm demeanor, coupled with a no-nonsense management style has been an enormous asset to this community.
On a personal level, when my mom and dad moved to town, my dad became enamored of the Center and its many activities. It was Sue and her staff who were sincerely welcoming and hands-on in helping with a difficult life transition for him.
I know she is the same with all her beloved seniors. Sue took the lead without fanfare – she just did it – and with a smile on her face. Of course, Sue will be sorely missed as the Senior Center director. But I also know that she will continue to be in service to others as she enters a new chapter in her life. We wish her only health and happiness in her retirement.
Carl Frey blew out birthday candles with (from right) his wife Iris, and Senior Center director Sue Pfister.
Human Services director Elaine Daignault notes:
Sue has a penchant for quick-thinking, organization, and collaboration, playing a critical role in the town’s emergency response efforts through countless storms and public health emergencies. She and her team offered essential respite and support by feeding, housing, and comforting emergency workers and residents during significant nor’easter storm events like Hurricanes Sandy, Irene and Isais, and the COVID19 pandemic.
Sue’s energy and dedication are inspirational. Her drive and compassion for others have been a tremendous source of reassurance to me, and those that she has helped along the way.
I am very grateful for her camaraderie and friendship, and I wish her a well-deserved retirement where she’ll continue to spread light and hope to others.
OMG. A Westport icon as far as I am concerned. I never imagined Sue would ever leave and certainly hoped she wouldn’t go. Where’s the party going to be? Love ❤️ and blessings to you Sue! Hope we still see you around everywhere! Mike
It can’t be true! Sue is too young to retire!
Carol Waxman
Over the many years I’ve known (and worked with) Sue, she has consistently proven to be the most honorable, professional, big-hearted and righteous person in this whole town!! … I can’t say enough good words about her (and thousands of others will concur) … What a sad loss for the senior center & the town, but the many lives she touched, through many generations, will continue her legacy in perpetuity … Cheers Sue!!! 🙂
Sue you will be missed I met you a long time Wehn I work for parks and recreation with other stuff for the town now rtm you love Westport and the seniors and they all love you trust me and I will miss working with and seeing you
Sue will be missed by many people at the Westport Senior Center. She has done so much for seniors and their family members. Thank you Sue and enjoy your retirement! ❤️
WOW SUCH SADNESS AS SUE MOVES ON TO OTHER PURSUITS.. WHILE I WAS IN WESTPORT SHE WAS SO GREAT IN BRINGING GREAT PROGRAMS GREAT MEALS AND GOOD CHEER TO US ALL. I MISS THE SENIOR CENTER AND HER along with my Ys men and the great library and gym.. maybe some day ill leave my nh in rocky hill ct and return to the joy
Sue is The Bomb! What a loss. Good luck in your future! A grateful town bids you Bon Voyage!
PS hope you still hang out at Old Mill sometimes 😉
Sue:
I remember you from the very beginning. You have been transformational. I thank you and I am sure that thousands of Westporters do too.
Lots of good luck,
Ellie Solovay
I worked with Sue at PAL Girls Basketball. So friendly and helpful!! Just a pleasure! I never knew about Sue’s involvement with the Senior Center, but believe every word!!
Thank you Sue and congratulations on your retirement!!
Sue is one of the kindest most compassionate people I have met in Westport. She cares deeply about the seniors and the place she helped to create. It shows in every encounter I have had with her. Sue will leave very big shoes to fill.
Sue,
Your work has been impressive, and has made our Senior Center in Westport one of the best in our State….
Sue Pfister! There are no words to describe the incredible person she is. The dedication to her profession and the members of the senior community in Westport are unprecedented. Best wishes on your retirement. May it be a panacea as you soooo deserve it!
One of the hardest parts of leaving Westport was knowing I would never find a facility as fine as WCSA , thank you Susan!