Three Generations of Care: Meet the Pritchard Family at UPMC Northwest
By: Autumn Bellan
As families gather to celebrate this holiday season, one family at UPMC Northwest is celebrating a different kind of tradition: caring for others. The Pritchard family has created a legacy of compassion with six family members spanning three generations working side by side at the hospital.
A Legacy of Care
Lacey Williams, professional staff nurse, expert, was the first family member to join UPMC Northwest in 2009. “I wanted to be a nurse ever since I can remember,” said Lacey, who now works in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. “My coworkers are fantastic, and I am fortunate to get to work with and care for different people every day.”
Her passion inspired her sister Holly Coe, systems analyst, who started at UPMC Northwest in Pharmacy in 2012. She learned about the behind-the-scenes world of Pharmacy IT and found new opportunities to follow that interest in Corporate Services in 2021. Now, she works on the UPMC Bridges implementation team, aiding the systemwide transition to a single, unified electronic health record (EHR), powered by Epic.
“My team has played a crucial role in the Wave 1 Go-Live across many hospitals, including UPMC Northwest,” said Holly. “UPMC has opened many doors for me, and I am grateful.”
Mark Pritchard, journeyman, joined his daughters at UPMC Northwest in 2018 after retiring from a 37-year career in the printing industry. He is affectionally known around the hospital as “dad.”
“My team treats me so well,” he said. “They don’t let me overdo anything, and I love seeing my family throughout the day. It’s a wonderful feeling to be part of something bigger with my family by my side.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, his daughter, Angela Griffin, senior patient care technician, and his wife, Pam Pritchard, patient and family concierge, saw the need to help as many members of their community as possible and joined their family at UPMC Northwest.
“I started as a screener,” said Pam. “Now, I work two days a week, helping provide patients with small comforts like snacks and warm blankets.”
Now, the third generation is following in their footsteps, as Holly’s daughter, Rylee Coe, senior patient care technician, attends nursing school. “My aunt inspired me, and I am proud to carry on her legacy and be the third generation,” she said. “I have so much support above me, and I get to follow the lead of people who are known for being kind, hardworking, and compassionate.”
Lacey has been a steady support for Rylee, offering advice and encouragement. “I told her to study, pray, cry if she needs to, and keep going. Becoming a nurse will be the most rewarding thing she’ll ever do.”
Thankful for Each Other
Living only four miles from the hospital, Pam and Mark often work the same days, stopping by their daughters’ units whenever they can. “It’s close to home, and it’s so special to be here together,” said Pam. “I’m proud that my kids have succeeded.”
The family credits their success to shared values. Mark taught that there’s always something to learn, while Pam instilled the value of hard work. “The best lesson you can teach your kids is to work hard at no matter what job you have,” Pam said. “Show up on time, be kind, and do the best job you can every day.”
“We’re a close family, and we support each other in little ways, like dropping off chocolates on a tough day,” said Angela. “You can always take a walk and see someone who will make you smile.”
Outside of work, the Pritchard family prioritizes time together, from elaborate birthday celebrations to Sunday dinners and holidays filled with laughter and food. “We celebrate every birthday and holiday together,” said Holly. “Every Black Friday, my mom, sisters, our daughters, and I wake up at 3 a.m. to go shopping together. It’s one of the best days of the year.”
For Lacey, Christmas holds a special place in her heart. “We gather at my parents’ house, eat way too much food, and my dad reads the Christmas story from the Book of Luke.”
From the hallways of UPMC Northwest to family holidays around the fireplace, the Pritchard family emphasize that time spent together is the greatest tradition this holiday season. As Rylee said, “life is too short not to make family a priority.”
