Copeland Oaks recently celebrated Maretta Hancock’s 50th anniversary ahead of her upcoming retirement. Hancock has worked at Copeland Oaks since 1975 and was presented with an award in recognition of her dedicated service surrounded by family, many of whom also work or have worked with Hancock at Copeland Oaks. Pictured from left are Hancock’s nieces Ki’Errah and Almetra Martin, brother-in-law Vernon Hawkins, Hancock, her mother Clara Hancock, and nieces Kahjionah Hawkins and Kaya Martin. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

SEBRING — Local senior living community Copeland Oaks recently celebrated 50 years of service by one of its employees.

Half a century, that’s how long Maretta Hancock has been a fixture of Copeland Oaks’ dietary team. Hancock joined Copeland Oaks in 1975 as a waitress; 50 years later she is the dietary crew leader and oversees the rest of the dietary team, at least until her well-earned retirement at the end of the month.

Hancock said that when she and a friend were first hired at Copeland Oaks, she never expected it would become a lifelong passion. While that friend would leave Hancock would be far from lonely, becoming a fixture of the community and beloved by residents, and staff alike.

“We just kind of joined together, she left but I stayed,” joked Hancock.

Hancock would also be joined over time by 15 family members including siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, grand-nieces, and her brother-in-law. Hancock said that the opportunity to work with and around her family, and the friendships she built with her fellow employees and residents, were the highlights of her career, describing Copeland Oaks as her second home.

“I stayed because I loved working here, it was a good time. This is my home away from home,” said Hancock.

Hancock said that she’s loved her time with Copeland Oaks, but that as retirement draws closer “it feels wonderful knowing [she won’t] have to get up early anymore.” She said that when the day comes her plans for retirement are simple — “just sitting back and taking it easy.”