For nearly five decades, Wendy Hedberg showed up each day with quiet dedication, kindness, and a deep respect for the people she served. As Sholom celebrates National Caregiver’s Day on February 20th, we honor Wendy’s extraordinary journey as a caregiver and nurse’s assistant — and the countless lives she touched along the way.
Growing up in St. Paul’s Como neighborhood, Wendy never imagined the path her career would take. Inspired by people from her church who worked at Sholom, she applied for a job and was hired immediately. What began as an opportunity soon became a calling.
“I was interested in nursing,” Wendy shared. “I was very comfortable working with older people. Both of my parents worked in senior care — it ran in the family.”
Caregiving Is More Than Tasks — It’s Connection
Over the years, Wendy witnessed tremendous change in healthcare — from paper charting to advanced technology — but one thing remained constant: the importance of relationships.
“Caregiving is more than helping with personal cares,” she said. “It’s investing in who they are. They are people. It helps them feel recognized.”
For Wendy, the most meaningful moments were often the smallest ones — sharing laughter with coworkers, families leaving treats in the breakroom, or team members offering her a ride home on freezing Minnesota mornings so she didn’t have to wait for the bus.
“It’s kind of like a big family,” she reflected. “I’m really missing them all.”
The Power of Gratitude
One resident left a lasting imprint on Wendy’s heart. As his health declined, he thanked her every single time she left the room.
“That left an impression on me,” she said. “It helped me have a heart of gratitude.”
Her own gratitude shines through in the way she speaks about her time at Sholom — thankful for the opportunity to make a living, for the support of colleagues, and for the kindness shared throughout the years.
Wisdom for the Next Generation of Caregivers
When asked what advice she would give to someone just starting in caregiving, Wendy offered simple but powerful wisdom:
“Don’t try to be a perfectionist. You may get overwhelmed. Do what you can that day — just start somewhere.”
Her words reflect a deep understanding of the emotional and physical demands of caregiving, along with the compassion needed to sustain a lifelong career.
A Life Rich in Stories
Wendy often found joy in learning about residents through the objects in their rooms — photos, hobbies, and memories that told the story of a life well lived. When asked what she hopes caregivers might discover about her one day, she smiled.
“I’d want them to know I enjoy arts and crafts, crocheting, listening to birds singing, calligraphy, hot chocolate, and writing letters,” she said. “I enjoy small, simple pleasures.”
And when people think of her legacy?
“I would just want them to feel happy and smile.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Wendy’s generosity, empathy, and gratitude have left a lasting imprint on the Sholom community. Nearly five decades of showing up with patience, kindness, and dignity is more than a career — it is a life lived in service to others.
Because of Wendy, residents felt seen, families felt reassured, and teammates felt supported.
Being a caregiver isn’t just a job. It’s choosing, day after day, to see the humanity in someone else — to protect dignity, ease fear, celebrate stories, and become family when family can’t be there.
On National Caregiver’s Day, we celebrate Wendy and the millions of caregivers across the world whose compassion shapes lives in ways both big and small.
Wendy, thank you for your extraordinary heart for caregiving. Your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
