By Beverly J. Clark, Publicity Director
Meet Simone McDade and Gloria Hinojosa
Meet Simone McDade and Gloria Hinojosa, two Retirees on the move, who have been friends since 1991 when they met while working at the Fire Dept. In retirement, they both enjoy attending RLACEI events, swapping recipes, and attending local festivals.
Meet Simone C. McDade
Simone retired after 34 years of City service. Her career with the City began in 2018. She worked for the following departments:
- Clerk Typist, Personnel/Employment Recruitment
- Sr. Clerk Typist, Fire/Personnel Services
- Benefit Specialist, LACERS
- Management Aide, LAPD/Civilian Employment
- Personnel Analyst, Personnel/Background Investigation Division
- Management Analyst, LAPD/Legal Affairs Division
Simone’s Family
Simone says, “I was born in Denton, Texas. My parents moved to Los Angeles in 1964 when I was six months old. I have one younger sister (Valencia). Both my mother and father worked for the City. My father worked and retired from the Dept. of Water and Power, and my mother retired as Assistant General Manager for the Dept. of Aging in 2002. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in 2001 while working full-time and completing night classes at Cal State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Activities in Retirement
“I enjoy water painting and have cruised to Alaska and Mazatlán, Mexico. I look forward to more traveling in retirement.”
Words of wisdom for retirees or those about to retire:
“Take one day at a time. Retirement is a life-changing adjustment. Enjoy each day in retirement with a smile and a sense of pride and accomplishment.”
What do you feel was the smartest thing you did to prepare for retirement?
“The smartest decision I made was accepting a position at LACERS as a Retirement Counselor (Benefits Specialist). I had the joyful experience of assisting members with retirement options, which prepared me for my own retirement. I’m forever grateful.”
What do you miss or don’t miss about your years of service to the City of Los Angeles?
“I miss many of my co-workers, and I am happy our work careers crossed paths. I’m thrilled to say, ‘So long to my one hour and a half Metrolink train commute.’ It is delightful not to have to wake up at 5 a.m.”
As you reflect on your City career, would you have done anything differently?
“I am immensely proud of all my choices involving my City career path. My goal was to provide quality service and to demonstrate a strong work ethic. I worked with so many wonderful City employees, and I have learned something from each of them.”
How do you fill your days in retirement?
“Retirement is wonderful. My days are spent creating memories with my family, especially my beloved mother, Retired friends, traveling and just relaxing.”
If you could change one thing about retired life, what would that be?
“I’m enjoying every minute of my retirement and plan to travel more.”
Meet Gloria Hinojosa
Gloria retired in 2015 after 31 years of City service. She began her career as a Clerk Typist working for Animal Regulation and then advanced to Sr. Clerk Typist with the Fire Dept.
Gloria’s Family
“I was born in Houston, Texas. My parents moved to Los Angeles in 1960. I have one son, four sisters and one brother. One of my sisters, who is now Retired, worked for the LADWP.”
Activities
“I have a variety of interests, from cake decorating to bike riding; hosting game nights with friends and family; taking road trips to explore new experiences; attending and being active in church; visiting and enjoying the beach; and taking long peaceful morning walks.”
Words of Wisdom
“Retire as soon as you can do it! I love retirement. You only live once. Enjoy each day and do whatever makes you happy. Continue making memories and travel if you’re able. Live your best life.”
