Jan Senecal, North Shore University Hospital's First Worker, Dies

Jan Senecal, North Shore University Hospital's first employee, died on March 13. She was 92.

The hospital announced the death of Senecal, who worked out of a school building in Great Neck before the hospital was completed. When North Shore Hospital was completed in 1953, she began working there until her retirement in 1994. After retiring, Senecal continued at NSUH as a volunteer, racking up 4,000 volunteer hours.

A native of Old Westbury, Senecal began her career as a personnel assistant and rose to personnel director prior to taking jobs within the hospital's medical education program, the hospital said.

“Jan Senecal was employee No. 1. That really was her number,” said Ralph Nappi, executive vice chair of Northwell Health board of trustees. “She was a gentle human being and a wonderful employee who really set an example for others.”

Following her retirement, she began volunteering t the hospital’s Don Monti Cancer Center reception desk, helping to direct patients, visitors, and employees. In 1996, she delivered books and magazines to patients. In 2008, she became the liaison for the junior volunteers.

“Jan was very dedicated to North Shore University Hospital first as an employee and personnel director, then worked in the dean’s office guiding new Residents,” said Lisa Breiman, director of volunteer services at NSUH. “She loved talking with patients and guiding our Junior Volunteers.”
Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 17 from 2-6 p.m. at Doyle B Shaffer Funeral Home in Little Neck. A funeral mass is scheduled for Monday, March 18 at 9:45 a.m. at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Great Neck.