A family affair at St. André Health Care
Together, three employees, who are also family members, have 40 years of service caring for residents of St. André Health Care in Biddeford. The trio includes Dorothy MacFarlane, director of nutrition and dining services, Matthew MacFarlane, Dorothy’s son and a diet aide, and Ellie Daigle, Dorothy’s mother, Matthew’s grandmother, and a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
Together, three employees, who are also family members, have 40 years of service caring for residents of St. André Health Care in Biddeford. The trio includes Dorothy MacFarlane, director of nutrition and dining services, Matthew MacFarlane, Dorothy’s son and a diet aide, and Ellie Daigle, Dorothy’s mother, Matthew’s grandmother, and a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
Dorothy MacFarlane
Twenty years ago, Dorothy began her career as a diet aide. She worked her way up to be a cook and is now a director who has also earned the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) credentials.
“I began cooking with my mom and have learned so much during my career about healthy food, seasonal ingredients, and what tasty meals mean to people,” says Dorothy. “I’m here for the residents. I genuinely believe that balanced nutrition contributes to their overall well-being and can aid in their healing.”
Dorothy also believes in supporting employees by offering them meal tickets and making nutritious snacks available in the breakroom.
“I love what I do!” she says. “Yes, my mom, son, and I are all employed by St. André, but our entire community of residents and employees are family, and we take care of each other.”
Matthew MacFarlane
In addition to working as a diet aide, Matthew is enrolled in a CNA training program funded by St. André. He expects to earn his certification in July and will transition to working in a nursing role.
“The day I began working here, I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to senior care,” Matthew says. “I like knowing that I’ve made someone’s day better because of how I cared for them.”
Ellie Daigle
Ellie considers herself to be a compassionate person.
“I like to think I was a good influence on my daughter, and I’m thrilled that Matthew is training to be a CNA,” she adds.
Ellie works from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and rarely sees her daughter or grandson at work.
“I enjoy my schedule. There’s something special about connecting with and comforting residents who may not be feeling well overnight or are just awake,” she says.
“It’s wonderful to have three family members working together,” says Sandy Lucas, director of mission integration and spiritual care. “They are all committed to living our mission to provide healing and care for the whole person. Each of them demonstrates that through their work every single day.”
