Just in time for the holidays, Devena “The Cookie Lady” Thomsen treated her fellow residents at a retirement community in Tacoma to her homemade chocolate mint cookies. They were much appreciated but nothing new for the avid baker, 90, who has baked more than 24,000 cookies for neighbors, friends, and her church congregation over the past 14 years.

In 1999, Thomsen made a plate of cookies for her church staff members. The cookies were a hit not only with them, but with the mailman, the meter reader, the public, the clergy—basically everyone who came to the church office. That was the start of “The Cookie Lady,” as she’s become known. Now everyone at Narrows Glen are the beneficiaries of the treats she whips up in her kitchen.

Thomsen’s interest in baking and cooking began as an elementary school student, but her baking skills took off after trying a pie recipe in junior high school. Her first cookie recipe was one she found on the back of the Quaker Oatmeal package – still among her favorites.

Thomsen said she finds joy in brightening others’ days with her tasty acts of kindness.