Penny Mickiewicz ended her banking career Friday.
Starting her 48th year, the only other job the Kelsey Lake woman knew was three months she worked in a grocery store.
Mickiewicz, who started as a teller at Cassopolis First National Bank, closed out her career in Dowagiac with what is now known as Fifth Third Bank.
“We were First National Bank, First National Bank of Southwest Michigan, Pacesetter and Old Kent. A lot of changes. I worked in Cassopolis about 35 years. I’m the new kid on the block in Dowagiac, but I went to school here,” she said.
“I think it’s going to be a learning experience,” she said, “so my husband and I have been practicing this retirement thing. I’ve got a list of ‘honey-dos’ ” for Edward. “We’d like to do a little traveling if we can.”
The couple have two sons, Joe (Lynn) of Niles and David and two grandsons, Jordan and Ty.
Mickiewicz leaves as a personal banker, managing accounts.
“I like people, the customers,” she said of her longevity. “I like to work with money. Through banking, I have done numerous jobs, including customer service.”
In her spare time she enjoys flower gardening.