Celebrating a Remarkable Milestone – Patricia Nearing, C.N.A., Honored with 25-Year Silver Star Award

By Christine Hall

Aging-services professionals from across the state gathered to celebrate dedication, innovation, and deep-rooted commitment to seniors’ well‑being at the 73rd Annual LeadingAge Washington Conference & Expo.

Among this year’s honorees was a shining example of enduring devotion: Patricia Nearing, Certified Nursing Assistant at Franke Tobey Jones, received the prestigious 25‑Year Silver Star Award.

What the Silver Star Means

The Silver Star Award recognizes exemplary employees who have given 25 years of continuous service at a LeadingAge Washington member organization. Each year, these milestones are acknowledged during the Annual Conference, where honorees are celebrated for their unwavering dedication to enriching the lives of older adults in their care.

Patricia’s Journey of Service

Franke Tobey Jones has consistently honored long-serving, compassionate team members who make a difference each day. Patricia’s role as a Certified Nursing Assistant places her at the heart of daily resident care, providing compassion, dignity, and personal attention. Reaching a 25-year milestone in this role marks her as a pillar of strength, reliability, and empathy for those she serves.

Conference Highlights & Ceremony

The 2025 conference theme, “Ripples of Impact,” beautifully captures the essence of what it means to serve in aging services: each act of care creates far‑reaching, enduring effects. Honorees like Patricia, by honoring decades of commitment, demonstrated the very ripple effect that strengthens communities and enhances the quality of life for countless seniors.

Impact Beyond the Award

Patricia’s Silver Star is more than recognition—it reflects the heart and soul of Patricia and also of Franke Tobey Jones’s whose mission is to enrich and extend the quality of life for seniors in our community. Her 25 years of service exemplifies loyalty, deep compassion, and the powerful difference one caregiver can make over time.

LeadingAge Washington

LeadingAge Washington is a nonprofit state association representing not‑for‑profit and mission-driven organizations that provide housing, health care, and community-based services to older and disabled adults across Washington. Serving since 1951, the group advocates for more than 50,000 seniors and their families with a focus on quality, affordability, and dignity. As one of 37 state affiliates of the national LeadingAge network, the organization supports members through advocacy, education, innovation, and member services programs aimed at strengthening long-term care in both community and residential settings. By uniting providers, policymakers, business partners, and service professionals, LeadingAge Washington amplifies the voice of aging services in the Evergreen State. Its work ensures resources flow to communities in need, helps elevate standards of care, and equips organizations with the tools to thrive now and into the future.