Since 1989, LaVonne Boersma has been “Smiler-in-Chief” — otherwise known as postmaster — at the Wellington (Colorado) Post Office.

“The people I’ve worked with and the customers have been great,” Boersma said after her last day of work on March 31.

Boersma leaves the postal service after a 30-year career. She scored well on the required tests in Minnesota and worked there as a city carrier and substitute rural carrier from 1979 to 1985. She then moved to Colorado and carried city mail in Loveland before stepping into the postmaster position in Wellington.

Boersma loves to travel and has been known to hop a plane on weekends from time to time to see other parts of the country. She doesn’t have any immediate exotic destinations in mind, but will take a trip to Connecticut soon with a daughter and son-in-law with family there.

“I want to spend more time with grandkids,” she added. Boersma has four with a fifth on the way.

Boersma won’t be idle in retirement. She has always had an interest in the nursing profession and plans to begin some work in the field this fall, looking toward specializing in Community Systems Administration. She will get to use her people skills in the area of prevention and primary care, perhaps at a nursing home.

When asked about possible changes in the postal service over the next few years, Boersma said to expect lots of them, but couldn’t be specific about details. The postal service has mechanized more aspects of mail sorting in recent years and always struggles with money issues.

One thing the retiree won’t miss is the general stress of meeting deadlines. Although she doesn’t think Wellington will see a new post office any time soon, the government does own property to the west of the existing building suitable for some expansion.

“I will miss everybody,” she said.

Wellington postal patrons will miss their “Smiler-in-Chief,” too.