After nearly four decades of service, Palmerton’s top official has wrapped up her illustrious tenure.

But, before borough Manager Donna McGarry could officially call it a day, she was given the proper send off.

Borough council on Thursday lauded McGarry for her dedicated service and professionalism. McGarry’s last day was Friday.

As a parting gift, council President Terry Costenbader presented McGarry with a certificate of appreciation for 35 years of service.

Costenbader told McGarry she’ll be missed dearly. She received a round of applause as she accepted the certificate.

Throughout the meeting, several of McGarry’s constituents lauded her for her decades of hard work and professionalism.

In turn, McGarry thanked all those she’s worked with over the years, including office staff, council members, and everyone in between.

“My last years here with all of you, I couldn’t have asked for a better council,” McGarry said.

McGarry noted that earlier Thursday, the borough staff held a “wonderful party” for her as she was joined by family and friends.

“I will always hold this place dear to my heart,” she said.

McGarry, 62, became borough manager in April 2019, after she succeeded longtime borough Manager Rodger Danielson.

In the years preceding that, she held various titles, such as clerk, administrative aide, interim borough manager, administrative aide, and treasurer.

In October, council accepted McGarry’s retirement, effective April 11.

Afterward, council hired the Lafayette College Meyner Center at the rate of $105 an hour, up to $7,000, to help it find her successor.

On a 6-0 vote earlier this month, council appointed Autumn Canfield as borough manager/secretary/treasurer at a salary of $94,000, effective as soon as she is available to start.

Canfield, of White Haven, serves as the assistant manager of Tobyhanna Township, a position she has held for the past five years.

Before that, she was the special projects coordinator for Doylestown Township.

A dual graduate of Delaware Valley University, Canfield has a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in policy studies.

McGarry said there were 19 candidates who applied for the position. Of those, council first interviewed six candidates, and then narrowed it down to three. From that point, she said Canfield was recommended by the personnel committee.