Marion Hawkins does her best thinking in the middle of the night.

“That’s when I get some of my best ideas,” she said.

And that’s a good thing for the folks at Sumner Senior Center, where Hawkins carefully plans the activities, including everything from holiday parties and dances to decorations and crafts.

Hawkins came to the center after caring for her husband before he passed away.

“My friend who paints here asked me to come down and check it out,” she said.

The first visit helped her realize that being involved with its members could be a good way to work through her grief.

That was 11 years ago. Today, Hawkins is a familiar face who offers a smile to each person who walks through its doors.

“She started helping out here as a greeter,” said Sumner Senior Center Director Linda Clagert. “She made people feel comfortable and welcome. Coming to a new place can be intimidating.”

At 76, Hawkins has a natural ability to put newcomers at ease. A mother of six, she’s also worn the hats of nurse and pizzeria manager before her retirement.

“I managed Suzy-Q Pizza Parlor for five years back in the 90s when it was up on the Sumner-Buckley Highway in Bonney Lake,” she said. “And I’ve picked ‘taters near Blackfoot, Idaho. I worked in the potato house and made boxes.”

Her level of energy has carried over to the senior center, where Hawkins carefully plans a month’s-worth of activities at least 30 days out.

“Sometimes, I go to local senior centers to see what they have planned – I’m not above taking ideas from others,” she said with a laugh. Those ideas such as Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day parties, to name just a few.

For the Christmas party, postponed until Jan. 15 due to inclement weather, Hawkins worked with other volunteer members to creatively decorate and personalize each place setting for 60 holiday dinner guests. She also purchased 75 gifts , enough to cover each person who might attend.

That feat took place because she wasn’t afraid to approach her fellow Senior Advisory Board about the idea, said Clagert.

“She approached the board and asked for money to buy gifts for the seniors,” she said. “They gave it to her.”

Her creativity allowed her to not only buy gifts for both genders but also wrap them individually. During Thursday’s party, each guest was invited up to the front, where they received the presents from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Bringing that kind of happiness to her peers gives Hawkins satisfaction.

“I love being here,” she said. “They’ve helped me as much as I’ve helped them. I’ve always liked people.”

With an enthusiasm like that, it’s no wonder why Hawkins said she encourages seniors to check out the center.

“Come down and enjoy the people,” she said. “We have a lot of nice people here. They communicate and we have fun things to do.”

So many fun things, indeed, that Hawkins shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

“I don’t think women ever retire.”

Reach Judy Halone at jhalone@courierherald.com or 360-802-8210.