Resident of the Year

Every year Retirement Housing Foundation honors a resident (sometimes two, we have a lot of great people living in our communities!) from one of our communities who, through their actions and deeds, have enhanced the lives of their fellow residents. These individuals’ actions are very rarely limited to their RHF community; more often than not, they are also active members of their church and various civic groups.

We invite you to meet these honorees and see why they are making a difference in the communities they live in.

2024 Resident of the Year

Sherry Smiley
Congregational Tower, Chula Vista, California

Sherry Smiley, a resident of Chula Vista for over three decades and a proud inhabitant of Congregational Tower for the past ten years finds a variety of ways to serve in her community. As Vice President of the Community Congregational Development Corporation (CCDC), Sherry has dedicated herself to improving the lives of seniors in Chula Vista.

Additionally, Sherry helps spread joy during the holidays by heading up the annual Christmas Dinner hosted by CCDC for Congregational Tower residents.

Her dedication during challenging times is equally commendable. During the pandemic, she donated supplies to the Congregational Tower community sewers who made masks. She also made 71 scrub hats for Scripps Hospital and made and donated 7 children’s quilts and military uniforms to the House of Ukraine in Balboa Park for their war effort. She’s also knitted neck scarves with Congregational’s Project HANDS group.

Sherry’s philanthropic spirit steers her endeavors. “From time to time I cook for neighbors and friends. I am guided to be of service. I am always available to advocate for anyone in need,” she says.

RHF is pleased to present Sherry Smiley with the 2024 Resident of the Year Award.

Congratulations to all of our past award recipients!

2023 – Cheryl Barker
2020 – Marvin Hesse
2019 – Keum Bok Choi
2018 – Pamela Mendez
2017 – Shirley “Bunny” Weston
2016 – Barbara Sebree
2015 – Marjorie Grommé
2013 – Tina Pallitto
2012 – Elsie Dixon
2011 – Boneata Kautz
2010 – Bob & Esther Olson
2009 – Charlie Gregoire
2008 – Grace Jirovetz
2007 – Catherine Veney
2006 – Betty Flanders
2006 – Frances Pierce