Article written by Karen Lyddane
Monica Horan’s life blends tradition with controversy. She opened her eyes in Hammond, Indiana, which is about 15 miles from Chicago. Monica attended a Catholic grade and High School there. To this day, she holds her religion close, saying prayers while walking the halls at The Woodlands for exercise in inclement weather.
As everyone knew everyone/thing in her hometown, Monica became “The Keeper of the Vault” at her bank. This was her first job, at the mature age of eighteen! Not long after, she and a friend joined the USMC, mostly due to the recruiter being handsome and persuasive. At Parris Island, South Carolina, she worked for the Base Legal Officer as a Court Reporter, an enlisted position.
This is important because…
Then, being anywhere on Parris Island was safe. It was commonplace for drivers to pull over and invite pedestrians to ride along with them. And so it happened. Robert F. Horan, Jr., an officer, pulled aside Monica and offered to take her to wherever she was going.
Bob proposed to her on their third date! WWHHHHaaattt? In those days, relationships between enlisted people and officers were not considered appropriate. Going into a well-known restaurant one night, they were spotted by Commanding Officer of the Women’s Battalion, who quickly reported them to his Commanding Officer. Unknown to Monica, Bob had decided to marry her and told his Commanding Officer. They met, and Bob was advised to see the Chaplain promptly. The Chaplain facilitated their marriage on a magical day with a crossed-sword ceremony, and new bride Monica found herself quickly changing from wedding gown to uniform, undergoing another ceremony of being honorably discharged (due to military regulations prohibiting fraternization between officers and enlisted personnel), changing back into her beautiful wedding gown, and rushing to the waiting reception. She was like all young people-fearless, just doing their thing and having fun.
She greatly loved her handsome husband of 50 years. During an early year of marriage, Bob resigned from the Marine Corps, as he would not go to Okinawa without Monica. They moved to Arlington, where he pursued a law degree which led to 40 years as the Commonwealth Attorney for Fairfax County. They had three sons, Robert III, Kevin, and Timothy John.
In 2022, Monica was widowed. Her sons wanted her to move to a community with far less responsibilities and far more amenities. As she’d enrolled in the Aquatics Program at The Woodlands, which ultimately placed the community at the top of her list, Monica moved. “I believe that, to this day, it’s the smartest decision for the rest of my life.”
Her advice? 1) Take finances into consideration. 2) Define your idea of “Community.” 3) Discover a community’s expectations and offerings-what are you willing to do, and what does the community do for you? 4) Visit possible communities to get a feel of the people, taste the food, attend activities and look into services.
At The Woodlands, Monica appreciates knowing costs that are up-front, without surprises. She has many new friends, as evidenced by the phone call she received about playing bridge while being interviewed. Her long-time friends often join her at Sunday brunch. While greatly valuing these friends, “It’s grand to have so many new friends where we can just enjoy this social time, especially in the Bistro.” Monica feels blessed to have so many amenities that support her independence from responsibilities. She’s happy in a different way than before. “This is a different style of life, but I’m as happy with this lifestyle as what I had before.” We’re happy to know and see Monica every day at The Woodlands.
