She has been the ‘heart and soul’ of a care home for the elderly since she first walked through its doors.
And now Ioana Condrea, 54, has marked a special anniversary - 20 years at Chevington Lodge residential home in Flixton Road, Bungay.
Mrs Condrea, the care home’s registered manager, said “time has flown” since her first day on the job, which she still loves.
She said: “I love my residents and my team. My nature is to care about the people I am working for and with.
“I enjoy the challenge of solving complex problems which gives me great job satisfaction.”
Mrs Condrea said knowing that her hard work was recognised spurred her on to continued success.
She said: “It is not an easy job, but it's very rewarding, especially when I know I have made somebody’s day, made them smile and happy.
“I work with very supportive colleagues and I want to believe that our work has a positive impact on the company as a whole.”
Razwan Ashiq, the home’s owner, said Mrs Condrea is a great asset.
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He said: "Ioana has an incredibly steadfast demeanour, which becomes a source of strength for everyone around her.
“She has an exceptional talent for pulling a team together.
“Her infectious spirit uplifts the workplace, creating an atmosphere where both residents and staff thrive."
Florentina Bordeianu, senior carer, said Mrs Condrea always saw the best in people.
She said: “In the five years I have been working here, she has always supported, guided and believed in me and my abilities more than I did, which has helped me become the person and professional I am today".
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