Reader Report: Checker made grocery shopping special
After 37 years of service at the grocery check stand, Linda Coughlin started celebrating her long-anticipated retirement Friday.
Early-bird shoppers will surely be disappointed big time when they learn that she won’t be there to greet them anymore.
Linda has been a dedicated employee of the Pavilions on Bayside Drive in Newport Beach. Diligently commuting from her home in San Clemente, rain or shine, she has arrived bright and early to open the store, and always with a cheerful smile.
Linda is truly one of Newport’s most-adored sweethearts.
Providing quality customer service and maintaining pride in a job are rare character traits these days. However, Linda genuinely captured them daily.
Regardless of whether she worked nine or 10 days in a row, customers could always count on being greeted by her professional demeanor and sparkling disposition. She will be truly missed.
Words like warm-hearted, dedicated, trustworthy, gracious, dependable and humble barely begin to describe Linda. She is adored by all, and as far as fan clubs go, Linda’s was always first to line up at her check stand, even if it meant waiting a little longer, just to exchange a quick hello.
“Linda Coughlin has been a great employee over the years,” said store General Manager Kevin King. “She’s such a special individual and will be greatly missed.”
Linda’s dedication doesn’t stop when she clocks out. She has proved to be a true friend to all who know her.
Although Linda loved her job, she also maintained a sincere regard for residents and faithfully went out of her way for them. Even after a long day at work, Linda would deliver groceries to homebound residents.
Linda will be retiring with the love of her life, Danny, in San Clemente and looking forward to spending long-overdue quality time with her daughter, Jocelyn, and her family in Idaho.
Linda deserves a community salute and sincere applause of appreciation.
Thank you, Linda, and congratulations on your retirement.
JULLIAN FREDERICKS lives in Newport Beach. Reader Reports may be submitted to dailypilot@latimes.com.