Pond Island:---– TelEm Group flags are flying at half-mast as a tribute to the company’s longest-serving employee, Stella Aarndell, who passed away Monday, June 15, following prolonged illness.
Management and staff on Monday sent messages of condolence to family and friends upon hearing of the passing.
The late TelEm Group worker has been described by many as motherly, soft-spoken, easy going and a loyal employee over more than four decades.
Ms. Aarndell joined the company when it was then called Landsradio, as one of its first employees, working in the Telegram department. She officially became a St. Maarten Telephone Company worker in August, 1997 and rose to become a Lead Customer Services Representative in the Simpson Bay branch.
Her immediate manager, Veronica Browne said Ms. Aarndell recently marked a milestone in the company only this year, when she celebrated 40 years of service with a token presentation from management and staff.
“Stella was very popular with staff. She was a part of the Personnel Association for many years and a keen supporter of our telecom companies sports exchange meets. She was always there to lend a helping hand in the workplace or at social events. She was a favourite with customers because she always did her best to leave a positive impression by resolving their problems in any way she could,” said Ms. Brown.
She said on behalf of all of the staff of the Customer Service Department, there is heartfelt sadness at their colleague’s passing.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mrs. Helma Etnel, also expressed sadness on behalf of the management team, at the loss of a close, dedicated and much-loved member of staff.
“We have much to be thankful for from workers like Ms. Aarndell who have given all of their working years to the company. There is little difference to losing a member of your family, because she has always been an important part of the TelEm Group family and will be missed by all of us and also by the customers that she has bonded with over so many years,” said Mrs. Etnel.
The late Stella J. Aarndell leaves to mourn three children, family in St. Maarten and Aruba and many dear friends at her TelEm Group home away from home.
TelEm Group management and staff wish all family and friends of their dear late colleague much strength and courage at this time.
