Howard Memorial Celebrates Jodie Dalton's 45 Years

When Jodie Dalton looks back on 45 years at Adventist Health Howard Memorial, she doesn’t remember a carefully planned career.

“I showed up in my Levi’s, T-shirt and tennis shoes. Then someone asked me, ‘Do you want a job?’ and I said yes. I was told to come back the next day.” And she did.

A career that started by chance

It was 1981, and Jodie was hired to “help” in the billing department for what was supposed to be a six-week assignment. She made $3.10 an hour. “I thought I was rich,” she laughs. Four departments and 45 years later, Jodie is still here. And still “helping out.”

Along the way, she grew with the hospital—and with technology. She went from typing bills and entering patient information by hand to becoming a PC technician in the IT department. She helped the hospital navigate technology changes from AS400 to Cerner and now Epic.

Growing alongside the hospital

“I learned so many things here, without having a college degree. You can’t put a price tag on that.”

But technology isn’t what kept Jodie at Howard Memorial for 45 years. People did.

Affectionately known as “Mama Jodie,” she has become the person her coworkers turn to when something goes wrong—or when they simply need someone in their corner. A broken computer? Call Mama Jodie. An order that probably shouldn’t have been placed? Call Mama Jodie. Need a little guidance, encouragement, or maybe a gentle reminder to get back on the right track? You guessed it. Mama Jodie.

The heart of the team

And she wouldn’t have it any other way. “This place has given me a family. I like what I do. I like who I work with.”

That family has been there through 45 years of life, too. Jodie’s coworkers have celebrated with her, supported her and even helped raise her children. Her son used to come to the hospital for lunch after school —and the team always made sure he was fed. “This is my family. It sounds clichéd, but it’s true,” Jodie says. “We are friends outside of work. We do things together.”

Building lifelong connections

Her love for Howard Memorial extends beyond her coworkers. Jodie is deeply proud of the care the hospital provides to the community—and grateful for the care her own loved ones have received here.

“This is my job. My life. And if not for the hospital, I would not have two of my loved ones with me today. The doctors and nurses here are the best.”
After 45 years, Jodie has given much more than her time. She has given her knowledge, her laughter, her loyalty and her heart. She has helped generations of team members, witnessed countless changes, and become part of the fabric of Howard Memorial.

And perhaps most fittingly, she has spent 45 years “helping out.”

Associates like Jodie make Howard Memorial more than a workplace — she makes it feel like family.