Senior mortgage lender Linda Tait will retire from North Shore Bank at the beginning of April, after over 20 years here. She shared a few thoughts with Shorelines about leaving.

Linda Tait retires early next month.

I am planning a new chapter of my life. I have been working in banking for 40 years; I think a part of me always knew this was my calling. I started in 1980 with the then–Kenosha Savings and Loan. A family member was leaving her position and suggested I apply. I started as a teller and slowly worked my way into the mortgage department. After several years, I became the manager of loan servicing, collections, and loan processing. In 1998, a larger institution purchased the bank and my divisional operation was transferred out of town. For nine months, I worked for a title company doing closings.

My former supervisor Dick Nadolski contacted me when North Shore Bank began building an office in Kenosha. After a conversation with him, I knew I needed to get back to what I enjoyed.

My favorite movie of all time is It’s a Wonderful Life — I know that what we do makes a difference. Throughout my employment, I have been fortunate enough to work in an environment that supports this premise. I honestly can’t think of another industry I would have enjoyed this much. I have always felt gratified to assist our customers and make their home ownership dreams a reality.

I will miss my customers and my co-workers. I am fortunate enough to call them friends. I wish I could hug you all and see you in person to say my goodbyes.

At the same time, I am looking forwarding to going fishing with my husband, enjoying my grandchildren, and not answering the phone! Thank you to everyone at North Shore Bank. —Linda

VP and consumer lending manager Chris Boland adds: “Linda will be greatly missed by her co-workers, clients, and everyone in the industry. She has always done a great job for her clients, and she is always a team player. I have enjoyed working with Linda a great deal and always appreciate her thoughtful feedback and ideas. I wish her and her family all the best in this next chapter and hope she enjoys every moment.”

“Linda has been a rock star in the Kenosha and southern markets for decades,” SVP consumer credit sales Mike Kellman says. “She will be greatly missed.”