Ruth E. Vega Silva, a resident of North Babylon, who has served for 16 years as a live-in personal care aide for Utopia Home Care, recently received the company’s first annual Aide of the Year Award.

Utopia President Manuel F. Martinez presented Silva with a plaque and a $500 award during the company’s annual corporate breakfast, a gathering of about 75 office staff members from Utopia locations in New York, Connecticut and Florida.

In addition, Wayne Horsley, a councilman from the Town of Babylon, presented a proclamation to Silva, who resides in North Babylon.

"Ruth is sweet, caring and good to the patients. She is an excellent aide and the families love her," said Sue Riebe, Silva’s nursing supervisor.

Silva was born in Colombia and later moved to Barbados, where she married and had two children. Her son serves in the Canadain armed forces and her daughter who fulfilled Ruth’s own dream to become a nurse, served patients in Canada.

Silva immigrated to other United States 30 years ago, and soon began to pursue her lifelong dream of caring for others. She joined the Utopia Home Care family in 1989 and became a certified live-in personal care aide.

Over the years, families of patients that Silva has cared for have sent letters to Utopia Home Care headquarters in King Park, praising her.

"Ruth is a mature woman of highest character," one family wrote. "She is warmhearted, trustworthy, reliable and dedicated to her work. She was never too tired or impatient to answer our mother’s calls... We are grateful to Ruth not just for caring for, but improving the quality of life for our mother in her final years."

A trademark of Silva’s care has been her interest in the cultural backgrounds of her patients and the use of that knowledge to prepare delicious, yet nutritious, ethnic meals. She also entertains patients with her storytelling abilities and has often visited with patients on her days off. One family compared Silva to a combination of Mary Poppins and Mother Teresa.

Those interested in employment opportunities with Utopia Home Care, or its services, should call 631-544-6005 or visit www.utopiahomecare.com.

Shown, left to right, are David Martinez and Diane Martinez-Contino, both executive vice presidents at Utopia Home Care; Wayne Horsley, the Babylon Town councilman; Ruth E. Vega Silva, the Utopia Home Care Aide of the Year; Angelina Martinez, co-founder; Manuel F. Martinez, the co-founder, president and chief executive officer; Manuel G. Martinez, an executive vice president and Paul Martinez, an administrative assistant.