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Congratulations. From left: Mayor Barney Seney, Jean Duclos, daughter Linda Duclos and US Button COO Burt Elliott. Linda Lemmon photo.
Honors for a most dedicated employee
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — By surprise was the only way this was going to work.
US Button COO Burt Elliott called Jean Duclos down to the office area March 1.
When she realized the gathering was to honor her for 68 years of work — without missing a day — she started to back up. But it was too late.
Mayor Norman B. Seney Jr. officially proclaimed March 1 Jean Duclos Day in Putnam in recognition of her keeping her promise, long ago, to “never to miss a day of work.” She was honored for incredible work ethic, along with a firm faith in God.
The proclamation lists one of many noteworthy examples of her dedication: She was working at the US Button Shop during Hurricane Diana (Flood of ‘55) “helping managers lay out sand bags and remembers looking back watching the bridge collapse.”
The proclamation added: Jean Duclos is a “hardworking, dedicated employee who sets an example to all of us, who strive to be more like her.”
Holding a bouquet of flowers and the proclamation, Duclos was overwhelmed. “I’m losing my voice because it’s affected me so much,” she said, thanking everyone “from the bottom of my heart.”
One co-worker after another congratulated her, some with tears in their eyes. “She’s the best.” “She trained me.”
Elliott called her an inspiration. Duclos is the sample room group leader. They gather samples companies ask for and get them sent out.
Duclos said without God she never could have done this.
Elliott said Duclos has nicknames for everyone including him. She nicknamed her boss sinushu (son in Polish). And he calls her matka, mother.
Elliott said to Duclos: “If you and Linda (her daughter Linda Duclos, who has been there 31 years) want to take the day off, you can — but I know what your answer would be!”
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