Janie - You said a few things that I picked up on.

You're 55, the highest paid employee and outspoken but eith not "one example of unprofessional or inappropriate speech or conduct."

"No notice, no severance, and if they have their way (they won't) no unemployment to tied me over."

Why should they pay you when they can replace you with someone younger and more malleable at less cost to the company?

This is the story of someone being forced into early retirement.

Get a lawyer.