Birdie Goodchild always said Pleasant View couldn't run without its director of health care services — Dora Seth.

"Soon we'll find out," Goodchild said. "We've been here for 20 years, so we've grown up with her."

"No one can ever take her place," Ann Bedker said.

Goodchild and Bedker were two of several residents who were in attendance Wednesday to say goodbye to a woman who has been an integral part of Pleasant View, in Ottawa. Seth retired last week after working at the nursing home for 37 years.

In her 37 years, all in the same position, she has seen Pleasant View grow — adding 10 apartments for independent living in 1975, followed by the addition of a health center in 1977, which allowed Pleasant View to add 150 residents. In 1995 Pleasant View added Lutheran Estates, which in addition to Luther Place provided 34 two-bedroom apartments in 17 duplexes.

Seth is proud of the growth.

"We have really evolved into a full-care continuum," she said. "Before we were a little home."

Seth's job included policy procedures, education, directing the nursing team and serving the welfare of the staff.

"I had a wonderful team from the beginning," she said. "We had all we needed to grow personally and professionally."

In addition to her duties, Seth made daily rounds to visit residents, claiming there's not a resident she doesn't know.

Eleanor Yabsley, a resident of 11 years, said since she'll no longer see Seth at Pleasant View, she invited Seth to lunch — her treat.

"She was a wonderful person," Yabsley said. "She never turned you away. If she couldn't answer you, she would always find the answer."

Pleasant View Administrator Cindy Duncan and Roger Palsberg, president and CEO of Luther Life Communities, thanked Seth for her years of work Wednesday at her retirement party.

"Thanks to all of you. It's been my pleasure every single day. Even God-awful days," Seth said, garnering a few laughs. "But we always knew God was here for us."

Seth lives in Ottawa with her husband, Richard. They plan to travel.