One of the ‘Cuban Kids’: Audie Guidi hangs up apron after decades of work in hospital kitchen

Audie Guidi of Colfax is tearing up and hugging people she has worked with for years. Friends hold her in their arms and wish her well. A counter full of flowers and gifts lines the side of the Whitman Hospital cafeteria.

Audie Guidi receives a hug from a co-worker.

Guidi is leaving the hospital after 34 years in its kitchen. Her retirement party Monday culminated a career of preparing healthy meals and maintaining the small-town hospital cafeteria.

“It’s time to hang up my apron and do something else,” she told the Gazette.

Retirement means more time with her husband Rene, who is having some...