When Sue Hargreaves walked through the doors of the Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home for her first day of work in 1990, she felt something uncommon: a deep sense that she had arrived exactly where she belonged. What began as a position in Social Services quickly grew into a lifelong calling, one that would shape the lives of thousands of seniors and define more than three decades of the Home’s history.

As Sue retires from her role as Administrator, we honor a leader whose impact is woven into every corner of the Home. Her compassion, her steadiness, and her belief that every older adult deserves dignity and belonging have guided LLDH Home through tremendous change, unprecedented challenges, and remarkable renewal.

Sue first joined the Home as the Director of Social Services, bringing dual degrees in social work and psychology and a gift for listening. Residents, families, and colleagues quickly saw that she was not simply doing a job; she was living her purpose.

Within a year, she became Director of Resident Services, overseeing Social Services, Activities, Admissions, and Medical Records. Her leadership helped expand the Home’s capacity, laying the groundwork for today’s comprehensive campus that now serves 105 seniors today across Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living.

Over the years, Sue continued to grow professionally, earning her master’s degree in Administration with a concentration in Health Services as well as her Nursing Home Administrator’s license. In 2006, she became Administrator of the Home, a role she stepped into with humility, courage, and the clarity that residents must always come first.

Anyone who has worked with Sue knows she balances strategic insight with compassionate care in everything she does. Under her guidance, the Home achieved consistent five star quality ratings, strengthened best practices in nursing and resident services, and became a recognized voice for seniors across the District and the nation. Her expertise has been sought on state and national committees, and she served in leadership roles with the DC Health Care Association and other boards committed to elder care.

She also led the Home through some of the most challenging moments in its 87 year history. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sue brought calm, coordination, and compassion to a crisis that tested every senior care facility in the country. Her steady hand helped protect residents and staff while preserving the Home’s strong sense of community.

Then, in 2020, a devastating flood severely damaged the 1940s era building that houses the Assisted Living Residences. Reopening would require vision, perseverance, and extraordinary determination, all qualities that Sue brought to the forefront.

The successful reopening of the Assisted Living Residences, alongside the launch of The Louise on Western, stands as a defining achievement of Sue’s career.

Through years of planning, fundraising, and coordination during the Securing Tomorrow campaign, Sue helped lead the effort that:

• Completed extensive renovations to the flood damaged building

• Rennovated 45 modern, safe, and accessible units

• Reestablished private, supportive homes for low and modest income seniors

• Strengthened the Home’s commitment to culturally competent care through SAGECare certification

• Expanded affordable senior housing in Upper Northwest DC

This achievement means that future generations of older adults will continue to have a safe and welcoming place to call home, a powerful reflection of the values that have carried Sue throughout her career.

Those who have worked alongside Sue know her leadership is rooted not only in expertise and experience but also in warmth and authenticity. She greets residents by name. She listens. She remembers. She leads with empathy and humor.

Her children grew up in the halls of the Home, becoming part of its extended family. Even Marley, Lulu Belle, and Ziggy, her beloved dogs, became fixtures in daily life, a reminder that the Home is, above all else, a community filled with care.

As Sue steps into retirement, her imprint remains everywhere: in the smiles of residents who are safe and cared for; in the staff members she mentored; in the programs she strengthened; in the buildings she helped restore; and in the culture of dignity, compassion, and excellence that she nurtured every day.

For 35 years, Sue has helped shape LLDH Home into a place where older adults not only live; they thrive. And because of her dedication, the Home is prepared for a strong, secure future.

Sue, your years of service have strengthened this community in lasting ways. Thank you.

Join us in celebrating Sue’s remarkable 35 years of leadership and service by making a gift in her honor.