Article updated: 10/1/2012 12:04 PM

Mt. Prospect woman’s retires from ‘grandmother’ role at day care center

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Marie Handley, 88, holds up a keepsake photograph gifted by co-workers upon her retirement Wednesday after working 26 years at the Elk Grove Township Community Day Care Center.

MADHU KRISHNAMURTHY | Staff Photographer

Surrounded by toddlers she had cared for, 88-year-old Marie Handley retired Wednesday after working 26 years at the Elk Grove Township Community Day Care Center.

MADHU KRISHNAMURTHY | Staff Photographer

At left, Marie Handley, 88, receives a warm send off from co-workers, including head teacher Sue Ward, right, upon Handley's retirement after working 26 years at the Elk Grove Township Community Day Care Center.

MADHU KRISHNAMURTHY | Staff Photographer

This bulletin board poster honors Marie Handley, who retired Wednesday after working 26 years at the Elk Grove Township Community Day Care Center.

MADHU KRISHNAMURTHY | Staff Photographer

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Marie Handley, 88, of Mount Prorpect started working at the Elk Grove Township Community Day Care Center after retiring from Heinemann's Bakery 26 years ago. "For so many of our kids, she has been their grandmother figure," says Annette Capuaini, center director.