UPHS – Portage Heroes | Gail Raffaelli and Carol Peterson
March 06, 2026
What is your role at UPHS – Portage?
Gail [pictured left]: I am one of the cooks. I work the morning shift.
Carol [pictured right]: I am a cook/baker.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
Gail: I was a junior in high school and was looking for a summer job.
Carol: I was looking for a job in high school. Back then, high school kids worked the “Supper Shift”.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
Gail: I cook breakfast meals for the cafe and for room service. I also set up the cafeteria lunch meal. I do prep work and supply orders for the dietary department. At times, you must be able to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
Carol: My days vary depending on the patient count, what is on the café menu, and any other functions in the building. I prep the salad bar for the cafeteria, bake and prep all of the desserts and bakery for the cafeteria and patients, prep all salads and fruit for the department, and do supply orders for the department.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
Gail: I have been employed for 45 years and started cooking full-time in 1985. Before I started cooking full-time, I did a little of everything, including washing dishes, making salads, baking, and delivering patient meals.
Carol: I am in my 45th year. I have been in this position most of my time here.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
Gail: I can think of two: The first was the move to the current hospital, one day we worked at the old hospital, and then the next day, we were here. It was very stressful, but obviously, we survived.
The other big change was starting room service delivery. After being used to a set menu and having meal items tallied and set trayline times, we switched to making everything at the moment to order. It was quite an adjustment, but the change was better for the patients.
Carol: Moving to the new hospital in 2000. When we switched over to the room service dining, it was also a very big change from what we were used to.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Gail: I love to bake and take long walks with my dog, Max. I love going to garage and estate sales. I also enjoy being at home. My local gem would be in any place on Lake Superior. It sure beats the ocean!
Carol: I enjoy spending time with my great nieces and nephew. I also enjoy family time and time with my friends. I enjoy reading and snuggling with my Shih Tzu, Rudy. I enjoy going to Lake Superior and reading there.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Portage?
Gail: The security of being able to support my family. The hospital provides many benefits that have enabled me to do so. I am very grateful!
Carol: I enjoy all of the people I meet and get to see every day.