Marion Pritchard’s remarkable efforts
during WWII helped to hide hundreds of
Jewish children.

Early in the occupation, Marion was asked by her supervisor to take home the young son of a Jewish couple before they were deported. However, her life as an insurgent really began when she saw the residents of a Jewish children’s home deported.

“That event really increased her resolve, and she decided that this [rescue work] was something she ought to do,” recalled her son, Ivor Pritchard.

Marion went on to dedicate much of her time to hiding, sheltering and moving Jewish children who were in danger of being sent to concentration camps. Ivor explained that Marion actually does not know how many of the children she helped ultimately survived  the War. “She knows that she helped to hide hundreds of children, but with the exception of a few, she doesn’t know how many of them survived,” he said.

Marion’s connections with her charges were naturally limited by her sense of duty. “When you’re trying to keep people hidden, you don’t want to know any more than you have to, so you don’t have anything to tell if you get caught,” Ivor noted.

After the War, Marion became a social worker for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) and helped to organize displaced person camps. It was at an UNRRA camp that she met Tony Pritchard, a former U.S. Army officer who became the camp director. “They had actually met while she was training for the job but parted ways and were reunited when he was brought in to run the camp,” recalled Ivor. “They reestablished their relationship there and were married at the camp.”

After several years working in the camps, the Pritchards returned to the United States and went on to have three boys. However, Marion never gave up her work on behalf of Jewish refugees, later taking a position with the Boston Jewish Family and Children’s Service.

After Tony passed away, Marion decided to move to the Washington, D.C., area to be closer to one of her children. Ivor lives in Cleveland Park, and Marion moved to The Georgetown Retirement Residence, an assisted living community that is only three miles away.

Marion had been living at The Georgetown for several years when a series of falls resulted in a trip to the emergency room. From the hospital, Marion went to a rehabilitation center to learn to walk with a walker. When she was released back to The Georgetown, they recommended that she receive additional nursing care and suggested Capital City Nurses, a full service home care agency.

“Capital City has been helping her since last November, and their services have been very good,” Ivor said. He explained that the degree of help provided has varied according to his mother’s needs.

The caregivers from Capital City have formed a strong bond with Marion. “The caregivers have come to understand how my mother sees things,” Ivor said. “They are very good at encouraging her to be active but also respect her independence, which is so important.”

The independent spirit that allowed Marion to risk everything to protect and save children during the War endures to this day. While she may not know all the victims she saved, her legendary efforts will certainly never be forgotten.

One of Gertrude (Trudy) Virginia Chedister’s earliest memories is of caring for her siblings. Nearly a century has passed since that time. Now 100 years old, Trudy proved to be a natural caregiver, and she still puts the needs of others first.

Born in Salem, West Virginia, Trudy was the second of nine children in her family. As she grew up, she became a caretaker for her younger siblings. “I helped take care of the children under me, and I loved that job,” Trudy remembered. While her older sister preferred to spend her time reading, Trudy always welcomed the opportunity to care for her siblings. “I ended up taking care of the children the most because my older sister didn’t like it, and I really did,” she explained.

“Everybody here is my friend. And I’m a friend to everybody, and I
help people when I can.”

Trudy’s partiality for child care served her well later in life. “I happened to make a good wife when I got married,” she smiled as she recalled. “And I had three children, and I’m proud of them all.”

When Trudy was widowed at just 46 years old, she became the sole caregiver for her two younger children. “Mom moved back to where her parents lived and bought a house after she was widowed,” recalled Trudy’s eldest daughter, Jo Ellen Covell. “I was 18 at the time, but my sister was 11 and my brother was 5. She raised them by herself.”

While parenting on her own was undeniably challenging at times, Trudy always remained positive. “My husband was very good, but the Lord helped me get through losing him, and I’m still going,” she said.

Judging by the deep devotion she has inspired in her children, Trudy did a lot more than just survive; she thrived. “She gave us a wonderful life,” said Jo Ellen. “She was the best mother anyone could have ever had. She cared for us. She taught us things. We owe her so much.”

As her kids grew up and Trudy grew older, she was determined to never be a burden on her family. She also wanted to plan her own retirement, so she took the initiative and moved to an assisted living community near her long-time home in West Virginia when she was 85.

Trudy enjoyed the fact that she no longer had to worry about lawn or home maintenance, and she was happy in her new home. However, after a few years, Jo Ellen convinced her to move to be closer to family. “We wanted to see her more often and be close enough to help out more,” Jo Ellen said.

Jo Ellen started searching for an assisted living community in Winchester, Va., near both her home and her sister’s. “I looked at every place in the whole area, and I brought Mom to see the ones I hadn’t eliminated,” she recalled. “We knew we wanted The Willows at Meadow Branch, but they had a waiting list.” Just weeks after placing their name on the waiting list, the family was surprised to get a call from The Willows informing them of an opening.

That was nearly 13 years ago, and Trudy has made the most of her life at The Willows. From sitting on the large front porch in the summer to participating in a range of activities throughout the year, she takes advantage of everything that community life has to offer.

“I really love everything about The Willows,” Trudy said. “They are so good to me, and they meet my needs, whatever they might be.”

Of course, for a person who has always loved others, getting to know so many new people is one of the perks of her new home. “Everybody here is my friend,” Trudy smiled as she said. “And I’m a friend to everybody, and I help people when I can.”

For Trudy’s family, having her close by has been wonderful. “It’s so amazing that I can stop in and see her anytime, even if it is just for 15 minutes,” Jo Ellen said.

Their close family ties have served Trudy and her children well. “I think it’s essential to maintain a strong connection to your parent,” Jo Ellen explained. “People who don’t see their parents are missing a blessing because they have a lot of wisdom to share and a lot of encouragement and love to give.”

Beyond the close proximity, Trudy’s family also benefits from the security of knowing that their mother — who dedicated so much of her life to caring for others — is well cared for at The Willows. “The staff here is just amazing,” said Jo Ellen. “They keep in touch with me and give me updates. They offer advice about how to handle things and will even suggest I should call her doctor.”

Gertrude Chedister is a natural caregiver who always put the needs of others first. Today, her family benefits from the security of
knowing that she is well cared for at The Willows at Meadow Branch.

Still a natural caregiver, Trudy modestly underestimates how much she has given to her family and friends. “I just tried to treat everybody like I’d like to be treated,” she said of her life of service. “I also asked forgiveness if I needed to, and I helped anybody anyway I saw that I could.”

Trudy’s simple ideals and positive nature are perhaps best exemplified by her poetry. A lifelong lover of plays and poetry, she commemorated her move to The Willows with a short but poignant poem:

“I moved to The Willows to enjoy life.

No more packing, moving or strife.

The next time I move, I won’t have to pack.

I’ll just follow Jesus and never look back.”

Trudy is certainly enjoying everything life at The Willows has to offer. And, true to form, she continues to give all that she can to her new friends and neighbors. After all, Trudy’s second century of caring just began.

A group of individuals who provide care in the home and in assisted living were recognized by LifeCircle Alliances for their outstanding work.

Nominated by Chesterbrook Residences staff, residents, and Board members

Dr. Joe and Linda Marshall “juggle a lot of balls” at Chesterbrook Residences in Falls Church, a nonsectarian assisted living community for adults ages 62 and older.  Since the doors opened in 2007, virtually every day the Marshalls arrive at dinner time to welcome and assist the 97 residents. They have come to know and care about each resident.  These two community heroes help to make Chesterbrook a unique, family-like and caring assisted living residence. 

            Executive Director Marilen King wrote “How the Marshalls accomplish all this is a mystery.  What we do know is the Chesterbrook is the major beneficiary and its residents are truly blessed to have Linda and Joe Marshall as caring friends and caring community members.”

The Ramon Planas Family

Nominated by Elizabeth Heubner and the staff at Lewinsville

Adult Day Health Care Center 

Ramon’s mom has been attending the Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care Center since September 2002. Not only is the entire family is graciously sharing their gifts with the residents, but Ramon has become a staff volunteer. Having completed eight hours of training, he helps on trips so that the more handicapped residents can be included in the fun. His daughter Olivia completed an internship at the facility assisting the staff and participants with programs while his son Gabriel has performed for residents with a few of his high school band mates.  Both Ramon and his wife work full time, but they are setting a wonderful example for their children as they care for an elderly relative in their home and volunteer their talents at the center.

Mr. Dwight Barnes

Nominated by Ms. Ingrid Parkhurst, RN, Center Nurse Coordinator

Mount Vernon Adult Day Health Care Center 

Ms. Parkhurst wrote, “We know that it takes a village to raise a child; but, what does it take to care for a disabled adult?  Dwight Barnes, husband of Ann for 39 years, is a perfect example of the hard work and devotion required to care for a disabled loved-one. It would be wonderful for this ‘ordinary’ man to be recognized for his extraordinary effort to make his wife’s life not bearable, but wonderful.”

Ann was diagnosed in 2006 with a rare disorder called cerebellar ataxia, a disease that affects the brain and the nervous system. Dwight assists her with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and giving her medications.  Every day, he drops Ann off at the center and picks her up after work with a smile on his face.

Mrs. Joan Frankhauser

Nominated by Michelle Thyen, Director of Volunteer Programs

Brain Injury Services

Joan cares for her husband of 55 years, Mahlon, who has endured years of painful rehabilitation, rare neurological conditions and severe hearing loss in both ears as the result of an accident.  When there is a problem in his path, Joan works until she finds a remedy or a compensatory strategy to less the behavior or medical condition on hand. She assists Mahlon in his duties as a volunteer and does clerical work for hospice.

Michelle wrote, “Joan is the epitome of the perfect caregiver. ….If every person with a disability or chronic medical condition could be blessed with someone similar to Joan, the world would truly be a better place.”

For more information, visit www.lifecirclealliances.org.

Dr. Joseph and Linda Marshall

We did not give up our home because we wanted to, but because we had to.Some years ago, I had a stroke. I made a good recovery, but some impact proved to be permanent.Slowly, but surely, I found keeping up with the maintenance of our home was proving to be too much for me.Also Marge endured a series of injuries; a broken back, a broken ankle, a fractured pelvis, a partial hip replacement and more.Our home was no longer safe.

We looked at a number of similar retirement places before settling on Springhouse of Bethesda.It was in a good neighborhood and was reasonably close to our children.We are satisfied that we made a good choice, although tearing our home apart in preparation for the move was a grim experience.

A big change from our past way of living was that we had to conform to other people’s schedule. That meant we had to give a little, perhaps more than a little, and we couldn’t live in the past.That can be difficult.I noticed that some of our fellow residents had trouble adjusting to the food.Serving over 80 meals for lunch and dinner couldn’t possibly satisfy varying tastes.Once again, compromise was necessary.

I was most impressed by the variety of activities offered at the community. Participating fully could keep you busy and never bored.Of course, for many, physical constraints were a defining factor.I have been most impressed by our fellow residents.Many have remarkable academic backgrounds and most have a good deal of common sense.

The staff here is well motivated and friendly.That is a reflection of good leadership.I should know because I spent most of my working years in a profession where good leadership saved lives. Indeed Marge and I are well satisfied with our decision to move to Springhouse.

Born in St. Louis, Mo., Thelma worked as a salesperson until WWII broke out. It was then she decided to take an examination in order to qualify for work with the federal government and, as a result, she came to Washington, D.C.

She recounts eating lunch one day with several of her coworkers when one mentioned that she “had a wonderful brother.” Eventually her coworker introduced her brother, David Aronin, to Thelma just as he was getting ready to go overseas with the Navy. After the war, the couple married.

Thelma speaks fondly of their first home in Washington, D.C. and the fact that it only cost $8,500. The couple proceeded to raise their two children in the District, but eventually the family moved to Langley Park, Md. when the children were school aged. They lived in their Maryland home for many years until the children were grown and moved out.

As empty nesters, the couple decided it was time for a change. They moved to Leisure World in Silver Spring, Md., where they lived in a two-bedroom apartment for 22 years. Thelma says, “There were all kinds of activities and restaurants; it was a good place to live.”
In 2002, David passed away and their home became difficult for Thelma to maintain. “The apartment was just too much for me,” she says. She decided it was time to find a different option that would better suit her lifestyle and needs.

With the help of her daughter, Bobbie, Thelma narrowed her options and ultimately selected Morningside House. The independent and assisted living community would allow her to be closer to Bobbie, who would often make the near-hour drive to visit her mother at Leisure World. It would also offer Thelma a maintenance-free lifestyle with its housekeeping, linen and laundry services in addition to the sense of security both women felt with the community’s 24-hour emergency call system.

Among the many other amenities residents have the luxury of are spacious floor plans, daytrips, live music and entertainment, computer centers, a full-service beauty/barber salon and a concierge service.

Although the search for housing options can seem daunting, Bobbie advises others helping a parent find a community to “do your research and visit different communities.” She recommends that families bring an “additional set of eyes” to look at the different choices and to come prepared with questions.

And based on her mother’s experiences since making the move, it is very evident to Bobbie that her efforts have certainly paid off. Thelma has enjoyed participating in the vast amount of activities the community offers, most notably the lectures and the meetings. She particularly enjoys the weekly discussions about current events. “If you like to take part in things, this is the place to live,” she says. In addition, she loves going on the weekly shopping trips and the overall convenience of having transportation provided by Morningside House.

Thelma also enjoys the food at Morningside House and is very appreciative of the fact that the staff is able to accommodate her diet under her doctor’s orders. She states, “During the day you can eat as much as you want and ask for more. They are very generous here.”

This support from the staff extends beyond Thelma and her peers since making connections to the outside community is a priority for Morningside House. The community participates along with their seven sister communities in an innovative program titled C.A.R.E, which is designed to provide outreach and support to local causes. Each month, a portion of the community’s profit is donated to assist an organization or individual in need.

“In 2009, Morningside House Assisted Living decided the best way to help the community during these difficult economic times is to give back,” said Kelly Mason, President and CEO of Morningside. “Local families and organizations are vital to the overall economic health of our communities and we are happy to help out in any way we can. That is why we created the C.A.R.E Project. We know how important the community is to our seniors and their families. I hope that our donations will inspire others to do so as well and help a local family in need.”

Within the community, Thelma is currently involved in a physical therapy program after breaking a bone in her hip. Providing individualized care, her therapists are able to visit her right in her apartment and engage her in exercises throughout the community.

This treatment is actually part of a new “comprehensive medical model of care” program at Morningside House. The program is administered by Dr. Salazar, who is a Board-certified geriatrician and the Medical Director at the community’s Ellicott City branch.

The program includes 24-hour on-site nursing; Geriatrician-approved resident care plans; in-house coordinated care and case management services; onsite physical, occupational and speech therapies; and an electronic medication management system. There are also weekly interdisciplinary team meetings and staff training that far exceeds State regulations.

It is these elements that make the comprehensive care model so beneficial. In addition to Thelma, the program has impacted many of the residents’ lives already by reducing their amount of hospitalizations and improving their overall quality of life.

“It’s very convenient,” says Bobbie, who has been very impressed with not only the medical services team, but everything the community as a whole has offered her mother.

Vienna, Va. — Steve Gurney is 43 years old, exactly half the national average age of residents living in assisted living communities. On Feb. 9, Gurney will experience first hand what it is like to move into one of these communities by taking up temporary residence at Paul Spring Retirement Community in Alexandria, VA.

Nearly 20 years ago, Gurney founded the Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook, a comprehensive resource that provides details on all of the senior living options in the mid-Atlantic. He said, “I realized that I have spent my entire career helping families and elders make these choices, but I have never experienced the transition first hand as a resident. I will be using this experience to help families better understand this important life transition.”

Gurney will not be utilizing this experience to evaluate the level of care and amenities or to determine if a specific community or option is “good” or “bad.” Instead, he will be focusing specifically on the feelings and emotions that an individual faces when moving to a new and different living environment.

The inspiration for this project began last September when Gurney was taking his children to their first day of school. He said, “When I give my kids encouragement about their first day of school, it’s authentic because they know I have been through the same experience. This made me realize that I need to be more authentic by going through the same experiences that the readers of our publication and website are facing.”

Gurney recognizes that his experience will be somewhat artificial due to his age and the fact that he will not be a permanent resident. However, by focusing specifically on the emotions accompanying the transition of leaving his home, he feels that he will be able to share important insights with others.

After his stay at Paul Spring, Gurney plans to take up residence at a continuing care retirement community, nursing home, an independent living community for low-income seniors, and an Alzheimer’s-specific community. “Most people don’t recognize the wide variety of choices,” said Gurney. “By living as a resident in five different types of communities, I hope that this experience will also help families better understand the options.”

Gurney plans to document his experiences through a blog at www.proaging.com and in articles in Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook.

Rita, a successful real estate broker, loved being out in the field selling, but she always made time for her volunteer work advocating for the disabled. Rita has also been a member of the Women’s Federation, which helps to fund projects ranging from Canine Companions to Operation Smile, for 28 years.

A retired Navy Pilot, Jerry remembers his time in the air as “peaceful-an escape from all the distractions.” Jerry is the current President of the Golden Eagles, an association of naval aviators. One of his most recent projects was putting together a book of biographies for his fellow Golden Eagles for the 30th anniversary of the association. The massive undertaking included over 500 biographies of active, emeritus, and deceased Golden Eagles.

Jerry and Rita have always been active in the Methodist Church as well. Rita says, “I don’t think there is a position with the church that one or the other of us hasn’t held over the years.”

Several years ago, the Zachariases were attending Rita’s 50th high school reunion at Linden Hall School for Girls near Lancaster, PA. Jerry recalls, “It was during the spring of the year, and the countryside was just so beautiful. We thought we could really retire here.”

When the couple’s search for a retirement community became a reality, they visited several other communities but eventually found themselves back in Lancaster. Their first visit to Willow Valley Retirement Communities was the deciding factor. “None of the other communities held a candle to Willow Valley,” says Jerry. Rita adds, “This community really stood out in so many ways. The facilities in general are superb. The food is outstanding, and there are so many long-standing staff members.”

The Zachariases also appreciate the comfort of knowing that life care is readily available should it become necessary. Their first-hand experience with the quality care delivered on campus confirmed the wisdom of their decision to move early. Rita recalls, “My mother moved here at the age of 94 and was cared for in the assisted living community on the Willow Valley campus until she passed away. She really did receive superior care.”

Today, Jerry and Rita are enjoying all that their new lifestyle offers. They note that there is never a lack of activities at Willow Valley Retirement Communities. Jerry uses the exercise facilities regularly, and Rita plays bridge with a group of residents. Both Jerry and Rita are members of the Willow Valley camera club.

Care for You, a local home care agency, was called in to organize and clean Bill and Fran’s home. They also provided companion care for the couple, which included nutritious meals and cleaning and laundry service. As they began to get the situation under control, the family was able to make necessary care decisions. Fran would remain in assisted living where she could receive the care she needed. Now they needed to prepare their long-time home for sale.

Working with Bill and Molly, Care for You began the enormous task of sorting through all the possessions in the three-story, 4,000 square-foot home. The work covered the entire property, including a garage, wrap-around porch, and lawn. Items in the couple’s storage facility in Gaithersburg also had to be sorted. Possessions were sorted into four distinct categories: trash, donation, estate sale, and those that Fran and Bill would keep. Staff members arranged and monitored the move of items to the assisted living apartment, and also cleaned out Molly’s basement. Care for You then held an estate sale with both homes’ goods. When the process was complete, staff cleaned the Borders’ home inside and out to ready it for sale while unpacking and settling Bill and Fran into their new apartment. After seeing the work that Care for You had completed at her parent’s home, Molly decided to have them do landscaping work at her house to add the same curb appeal.

Only a few weeks after the house sold, the family faced several new challenges. Fran and Bill’s car was wrecked, Bill quit driving, and Fran fell and broke her hip. During this difficult time, Care for You companions continued working with Bill, adding transportation to their list of services. They also helped Fran through the rehabilitation process, helping her to remain orientated and working to reduce her fear. When Fran returned to the apartment, companions stayed with her every day and night until nursing care became necessary.

Molly sums up their experiences: “I look at where we were a year ago, and I don’t know how we would have made it without Care for You.” She continues, “The difference with Care for You is their people. They really do care. They connect emotionally, as well as do whatever physically has to be done. I knew that I could count on them.” Care for You remains in touch with Molly, Fran, and Bill, and its Lawn and Garden Division continues to maintain Molly’s yard.

Keeping people motivated comes naturally to this former teacher. Mrs. Bowen taught for 16 years in several different states. After her husband passed away, she retired from teaching and continued to live in their home in Ripley, OH. When she began to experience some health problems, she realized that her two children were too far away to be able to help. During her search for a retirement community near her daughter in Silver Spring, Mrs. Bowen looked at several places, but she knew instantly when she found the perfect fit.

She recalls, “The first time I walked in to Aspenwood I decided that this was where I wanted to live.” The community is not too big and has a friendly atmosphere, she explains. “I love to socialize, and with a community this size, you really get to know most of the residents and the staff,” says Mrs. Bowen.

The people at Aspenwood keep Mrs. Bowen motivated. “The staff members are really great, and I truly enjoy the company of all my friends here,” she says. Her level of involvement demonstrates her happiness. Mrs. Bowen volunteers at the community library, is a member of the bridge club, attends bible study, and participates in special activities and community outings. As a member of the Aspenwood players, she works with her fellow residents to select, rehearse, and perform plays at the community. “We try to do plays that have a theme about senior citizens, and we really like to perform for each other,” she says. For Mrs. Bowen, winding down comes in the form of exercise classes at the community. She notes, “My stretch and tone class is not very long or very strenuous, but I can always tell a difference if I don’t go.”

Mrs. Bowen concludes, “I really like living here. There is so much to do and so many great people.” Making sure she does her fair share to give back to the community certainly keeps her busy.

After her husband died, Thelma lived independently for 20 years, but certainly wasn’t idle. She did volunteer work at St. Agnes hospital in the pediatric ward and volunteered for the Red Cross. When Thelma’s doctor suggested assisted living, she was not sure why.

Even though she sold her home, her car, and made the move to assisted living, she vowed she would remain as independent as possible. Thelma had to relinquish many things, but not her free thinking spirit. She moved into an assisted living community in Westminster, where she lived for 2 years. Her enormous impact on both the staff and her fellow residents is evidenced by the fact that they still come to visit her.

Thelma moved to Lighthouse Senior Living, an assisted living community in Baltimore, MD, a little over a year ago when her family decided to relocate to the area. Finding a place for Thelma to live that was close by was essential for her family. She remains an integral part of her immediate and extended family.

For Thelma, life is a glass that is half full. Her flexibility allows her to realize that although assisted living can never be exactly like the home environment, it can be an overwhelmingly positive experience.

Thelma continues to share her enthusiasm and talents with the staff and her fellow residents at Lighthouse. Not only does she decorate her apartment for holidays and special occasions, she also helps with decorations for all the events at the community. Crafting holiday pins and corsages for staff members is just another way that Thelma helps ensure that everyone feels appreciated. She also embraces the community’s Red Hat Society celebrations-looking very kicky in her red, wide brimmed hat!

Most importantly, Thelma makes a concerted effort to help new residents adjust to their new home by reaching out to them and making them feel welcome. She is kind, smart, feisty, full of energy and life-truly everything we should all hope to be when we are 92 years old.