County Recognizes 85-Year-Old Kirkwood Cafeteria Worker

At a ceremony on Wednesday at , 85-year-old cafeteria worker Mary Binggeli was recognized as the St. Louis County regional winner for the Mers Goodwill Outstanding Older Worker of the Year contest.  Binggeli has worked for Chartwells School Dining Services in the for 15 years.

Terri Whitaker, Chartwell’s Director of Food & Nutrition Services for the Kirkwood School District, nominated Binggeli.

Whitaker describes Binggeli as “a woman that we all look up to. She always has a smile and hug for everyone and can work circles around all her co-workers.”

The Chartwell’s staff arranged the ceremony as a surprise to Binggeli.

“I thought I was coming over for a mandatory meeting. I was surprised, surprised! This means everything and shows that I work with a lot of wonderful people," Binggeli said, adding that she continues to work because, “I don’t want to be a couch potato and working with kids keeps me young.”

Binggeli was so surprised in fact that that during the first 15 minutes of the ceremony, she repeadetly said, "I don't know what to say except, go Cards!" 

To be eligible, contestants must be a Missouri resident who is 60 or older, employed at least 20 hours a week and display dependability and new skills on the job. The winner and regional finalists will be recognized at an awards ceremony in November in Jefferson City, MO.

Outside of work, Binggeli is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and volunteers at their annual fair. She loves to shop, play bingo and garden with her twin sister, Martha. She is very family oriented and spends as much time with her grandkids as she can.

Kirkwood Patch would like to thank Lisa Wade of the Kirkwood School District for sharing the above information with our readers.