Margaret Pinheiro Smith retired earlier this month, after 24 years as administrative assistant at Westport’s Department of Human Services.
Today, her colleagues and friends are honoring her at a luncheon.
Today too, “06880” recognizes Margaret as this week’s Unsung Hero.
Margaret Pinheiro Smith
Human Services director Elaine Daignault says: “Margaret started working for the department in 1999. During her many years here, she has gone above and beyond to serve Westport residents, while selflessly supporting colleagues and Human Services partners.
“A key contributor across Town Hall, the Senior Center and Toquet Hall, Margaret was loved for her empathetic and kind nature.
“She was the perfect person to greet residents entering our offices. She always had a smile and made sure people felt seen and heard, regardless of the reason for their visit.
“Margaret has become such a fixture in the department that many calls from clients were just friendly check-ins to see how she was doing, and to provide an update on their lives. She was the go-to gal for information, an ear, or a favor.
“When weather threatened our most vulnerable residents, Margaret went into full crisis support mode, updating our registries and calling those who live alone or have special needs. she maintained our ‘We Do Walkways’ list for seniors needing outdoor work. When a senior resident needed a quick snow clearing to get to a doctor’s appointment, Margaret immediately ‘ran out for lunch’ to shovel them out.
“Once, a senior called because she needed bottled water. True to Margaret’s spirit, she went to the grocery store to deliver a supply.
“Another time, a senior accidentally ordered 10 gallons of milk instead of one. Margaret promptly offered to pick up the extras, and helped distribute them to other households and food pantries before they expired.
“She does these things not because they are in her job description (they certainly are not!), but because she genuinely cares for others without exception.
Margaret Pinheiro Smith at her desk. She spent plenty of time working outside the office too.
“During Hurricane Sandy, Margaret (along with several other dedicated employees) ran the emergency shelter for 10 straight days. I am not sure she went home to rest during that time. Instead, she stayed on site to ensure the check-in, food service and nighttime procedures went smoothly, especially for our senior population.
“Margaret always ran ahead of the team to check venues for warming and cooling centers, bringing her cell and laptop so she would not miss a call at the front desk.
“Margaret was a huge asset and workhorse during the pandemic. She was the first to arrive cheerfully at the office each morning. Constantly thinking about what we could do to help ease the intense uncertainty of the moment, she helped coordinate the distribution of masks, COVID tests and food with her social services and emergency management colleagues. She also spent time at distribution sites to help coordinate meal distributions.
“In addition to her ‘day job, Margaret was a staple at the special weekend and evening events held by the Friends of the Senior Center. She selflessly dedicated her time to help run these events, and dazzled guests with her good nature and willingness to pitch in.
“Margaret was a Human Services ‘den mom’ – always looking out for the department to ensure everyone had what they needed, while adding special touches that make our department so beloved.
“Unafraid of hard work, she would lift heavy boxes, wipe down conference room tables, vacuum the office, de-ice the staff refrigerator and stock the staff kitchenette. No one ever had to ask Margaret to do something to support her team; she would see a need and attend to the task. She is a natural caregiver to others.
Human Services director Elaine Daignault (2nd from left), Margaret Pinheiro Smith (3rd from left), and the “Room 200 crew.”
“As the primary contact for the Westport Woman’s Club food pantry, Margaret called in orders. The generous food pantry team delivered food to Town Hall, where she helped unload groceries for clients to pick up. When recipients arrived, she helped load the food into their cars, to ensure anonymity of those needing food resources.
“Margaret dedicated 2 1/2 decades to the town. We will miss her daily presence, but what is unique about her is that her service was more than a job. It was her calling. Her dedication to her friends, colleagues and residents will not stop due to retirement. She will continue to serve and spread her light. It is in her nature to look after those she cares about.
Margaret Pinheiro Smith, with Larry Delaney. Like many clients, he became a great friend.
“On a personal level, I am so blessed to call Margaret a treasured friend and trusted colleague.
“We both joined Human Services in 1999. We have literally ‘grown up’ under the guidance and support of long-time Westport icons like Barbara Butler and Sue Pfister, among many others, including Terry Giegengack, Fran Reynolds, and countless other mentors who made our department what it is today.
Margaret is one of the last ‘old timers’ from those tremendous years of growth and development. She taught me so much about selfless leadership and humble service to others. We will miss seeing her at Town Hall every day, but her positive energy has forever changed us, and we know she is just a call away when needed.”
(Thanks to Lynn Goldberg, for nominating Margaret Pinheiro Smith as this week’s Unsung Hero. If you know a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
(Unsung Hero is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!
Recently, a neighbor had seen bruises on his face. But when anyone knocked, he’d yell from behind a chained door, “COVID! COVID! Go away!”
“If we cannot make contact or progress, Human Services works collaboratively with first responders and the Westport Weston Health District to schedule an in-home safety assessment.
