Ezel Smith—50 years at IPFW and still going strongBy Rebecca Gallagher | |
 Smith |
“I just like doing things for people, making them happy,” said Ezel Smith, a youngster of 83 who celebrated her 50th year as an employee in building services at IPFW on June 14. “I enjoy my work.”
Smith began her career at IPFW as a young widow in 1950 to provide for her two young sons. Her mother looked after 11-year-old Marvin and 9-year-old Melvin O’Neil as Smith boarded the streetcar headed for the university each morning. “IPFW was in downtown Fort Wayne in two buildings separated by an alley. One was for Purdue University students, the other for Indiana University students,” said Smith, remembering an intense rivalry. “It was nice when they became one school which was goo d for the students and teachers, and for the city.” Smith loves her job, but that doesn’t mean she’s opposed to a good vacation now and then. “I sure don’t waste it!” she said. She travels extensively, visiting Marvin, now an entertainer in Las Vegas, and Melvin, who lives with his family in Atlanta. And t hen there are visits with four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who live all over the country, including two granddaughters who live in Fort Wayne. Plans for retirement? Sure… some day. “When you like your job and the people you work with, coming to work every day is pretty easy,” said Smith, who also offered the following advice. “Find a job that makes you truly happy, not one that will just pay the bills.” |
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Publication date: 15 September 2000
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