More Than Technology: How Sherri Whalen Spent 18 Years Keeping Residents Connected

To understand what Sharon “Sherri” Whalen’s final day at Lutheran SeniorLife truly meant, do not begin with her eighteen years of service. Begin with the residents who meant everything to her, the friendship that grew from a stubborn WiFi connection, and the moments when technology became the bridge that kept families, memories, and lives fully connected.

After eighteen years as Technology Coordinator for SilverSmart Technology, Whalen retires having impacted how residents connect to the world and to the people they love.

A retirement celebration was recently held in her honor, reflecting the breadth of that impact. Former and current colleagues filled the room, alongside nurses from Passavant Community, where her office was located, and employees who had worked with her at every stage of her career. Most telling of all were the residents. A countless number came simply to say “thank you”.

Among them was one resident Whalen often spoke about, a man whose recurring WiFi troubles became the beginning of a friendship. It is a simple reminder that her work was never just about technology.

Again and again, the same words echoed through the room. “We’re gonna miss you.” It was said by residents who had relied on her patience, by coworkers with whom she interacted, and by nurses who saw firsthand how her work supported care, safety, and independence.

The most emotional moment of the party arrived as a complete surprise. Whalen’s sisters, Jamye and Beth, drove more than 2.5 hours from Ohio to be there. When they walked in, Whalen was overwhelmed.

“My sisters are my best friends. My support, my cheerleaders, my ‘you can do it when you think you can’t,'” she said. “It could not have been a more perfect surprise.”

Through tears and laughter, her sisters shared their pride.

“We love her. No one comes between us, not even our own kids,” they joked, underscoring the strength of their family bond.

Chuck Lamb, Vice President of Technology and Quality, reflected on what set her apart.

“She really has a unique ability to work well with our residents and keep a focus on technology to assist them,” Lamb said. “She is going to be really missed amongst not only her coworkers, but those residents who she really made special connections with.”

For her, the most rewarding moments came when technology strengthened human bonds.

“The fact that I was able to help people live their lives more fully was one of the most rewarding and impactful parts of my job,” she said. “Helping spouses or siblings stay connected or live longer and safer in their home.”

She recalled conversations made possible through communication-focused technology.

“That’s some of the best conversations I’ve been able to have with my mother or grandmother in the last ten years,” Whalen said about families separated by distance or circumstance who relied on some of the communication-based technology Whalen offered.

As she steps into retirement, she plans to travel, spend more time with her sisters and her mom, and embrace new adventures. Some of that travel will be sister trips, including a recent “practice run to North Carolina,” she joked.

“As I look at my career here, it was such an honor to work with the residents and be able to help them however possible and make their lives a little easier and more meaningful,” Whalen shared. “I’ll miss the residents. I was not prepared for the connections I would make and the friendships I would have with the people we serve when I took my job here.”