At 90, East Jefferson General Hospital Volunteer Elfriede Oelkers Continues to Show Up and Make a Difference

Elfriede Oelkers does not measure her life in years—she measures it in what she continues to do with them. 

At 90 years old, she still shows up. 

For the past 15 years, Elfriede has volunteered at East Jefferson General Hospital, greeting patients and families as they arrive for same-day surgery. She offers directions, answers questions and, more often than not, helps ease anxiety before a procedure. 

“I just try to help people feel less alone,” she said. 

It may seem simple—but in a hospital setting, it’s anything but. 

A Steady Presence When It Matters Most 

Patients often arrive overwhelmed, unsure where to go or what to expect. Elfriede sees it immediately. 

“I can tell by their faces,” she said. “They ask, ‘Where do I go? What happens next?’ I do everything I can to make them feel comfortable and get them where they need to be.” 

Sometimes, that means offering reassurance. Other times, it’s humor. 

She recalls one patient who came in with his wife, clearly anxious about his first surgery, and asked if he would receive anesthesia. 

“I looked at him and said, ‘Hmm…I think a 20-pound sledgehammer will do the trick!’” she laughed. “We all started laughing. That’s when I knew the tension was gone.” 

For Elfriede, those moments are the goal. 

“If I can get someone smiling when they walk in, I feel like maybe the comfort I provide will last through the visit in some way. No one is just another patient to me. They are human beings. I know my help is very important to them. I want to show them that East Jefferson General Hospital truly cares about them from the moment they walk into the hospital.” 

Showing Up—Again and Again 

Elfriede’s commitment hasn’t come without challenges. 

Over the years, she has undergone major spinal surgery, chemotherapy for lung cancer, and surgery for a hip fracture. Most recently, she returned to the volunteer desk in March 2026—now using a walker. 

But even that, she says, has its perks. 

“It helps me get around faster and I can hang my bag on it,” she said with a laugh. “It’s a win-win.” 

Each time life has knocked her down, she has come back. 

“Ms. Elfriede will turn 91 this June and continues to show incredible commitment to our patients and staff,” said Jessica Cashio, RN, clinical director of the Same Day Surgery unit at East Jefferson General Hospital. “Despite going through multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, she continues to show up and volunteer. Her strength and dedication inspire everyone around her.” 

“Truth is, I’m living on borrowed time,” she said. “Volunteering makes life great fun. What else am I going to do—sit on my couch? Not me.” 

More Than Volunteering—It’s Connection 

Elfriede didn’t always plan to become a volunteer. 

Widowed at 34, she raised three children while building a career in banking as a systems analyst. After retiring and moving to New Orleans, she found herself starting over—knowing only two people. 

“You’ve got to meet people,” she said. “I realized it was time to get out.” 

Volunteering became her way to reconnect and be more active in the community—with others and with purpose. 

“It gets me out of the house. I meet people. I have fun.” 

Why Volunteering Matters 

Stories like Elfriede’s highlight the essential role volunteers play in healthcare. 

Hospitals rely on volunteers to support patients, families and staff in meaningful ways—from guiding visitors to offering comfort during stressful moments. These small acts create a better experience for everyone involved. 

At the same time, volunteering offers something powerful in return: purpose, connection, and a sense of belonging. 

As healthcare systems continue to navigate increasing demands, volunteers help fill important gaps—allowing clinical teams to focus more time on patient care. 

But as Elfriede shows, the impact goes far beyond logistics. 

It’s about human connection. 

A Life Well Lived—and Still Giving 

Elfriede’s advice for living a long, fulfilling life is simple: 

“Don’t stop moving—physically or mentally. And always look for the positive. Find a reason to be happy every single day.” 

At 90, she’s still doing exactly that. 

And for the patients who walk through the doors at East Jefferson General Hospital, she’s a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful care starts with a smile and someone willing to show up. 

Get Involved 

National Volunteer Week is celebrated each year from April 19–25 and recognizes individuals who generously share their time and talents. At LCMC Health, there are many opportunities to volunteer and support patients, families and staff across our hospitals. 
 
Click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Volunteer Opportunities in New Orleans - LCMC Health.