What Is Your Story: Resident

Written by Karen Lyddane

June Cotter is the very image of a soul who has successfully negotiated Life’s twists and turns. June is honest, straightforward and guaranteed to give you an honest answer. Often, it is delivered with a twinkle in her eye and twitch to a corner of her lip. From June’s birthplace in Montreal, Canada, to her home at The Gardens in Fairfax, Virginia, this lady offers sage, learned advice about the assisted living lifestyle.

Before going there, let’s begin at the beginning. June and her brother were the children of a man who worked for Customs, checking baggage on trains. Their mother and his wife left the earth when June was only two years old. Her brother went into a boarding house and she eventually joined him. Life was challenging in Montreal as there were no buses or cafeteria but there was a lot of harsh weather!

Moving to Vermont for June meant being in the right place at the right time. A career move for Jim Cotter also sent him into the right place to meet and eventually wed June. His skills as a cryptologist pulled him away from South Korea and back to the United States, into CIA service. Jim Cotter’s best friend Dick Wells and June’s best friend Lynn Greenia “fixed them up.” After a bit of dating drama involving a pretty nurse and June’s honesty about breaking dates at the last minute, they wed. Jim was Catholic, June was Methodist. Her faith was converted into Catholicism, and she is faithful to this day, either with the Catholic faith activities on the premises, or in the comfort of her apartment, with a special electronic device.

June and Jim were together for 59 years. They brought two sons and two daughters into the world- Kevin, Janice, Bill, and Patty/Trish. June said Jim “was tall, dark and handsome, and a really funny man.” One time, Jim volunteered to coach the girls’ softball team. Although she was no seamstress, June remembers making felt cheerleader uniforms for many of the girls in their neighborhood, in gold and bright blue, then black with white pleats. The white was behind the black pleats.

Their children were the driving force in leading June and Jim to leave their ranch home in Vienna to live an independent lifestyle at The Woodlands Retirement Community. Their ranch home had stairs going to the basement, where the laundry room was located. Added to this concern was their bathtub. They made some improvements, but they just weren’t enough. Still, concern grew.

Jim and June lived this new lifestyle together for three years, until Jim’s passing. June resided in her lovely apartment for seven more years, then her own medical needs made a lifestyle decision. She moved next door to the sister community, The Gardens at Fair Oaks Assisted Living.

On the day of our interview, June was enjoying the lunch of Corned Beef & Cabbage (yes, it was St. Patrick’s Day) at a sunny table with her friends, also former residents of The Woodlands. June pronounced the Irish Soda Bread “just fine.” In all, she really likes the menus and has a great fondness for one of the staff members. Her apartment is well thought-out, and the view shows shaggy Birch trees amongst the chicken coop. She has new friends, mostly through the daily Bingo game time.

What was the hardest challenge in moving to The Gardens?
June found it quite hard to give up much of her furniture and memorabilia. The most concerning was where her things went – coming from a humble background added to the emotion. She mentioned the loss of her pots and pans, but a desk filled with items stayed in the family, and this settled her mind.

What is June’s advice about Assisted Living?

“You might not like it at first, but you do get used to it, and it is good.” June gave this honest perspective with her trademark twinkle in her eye and twitch to a corner of her lip. This 93-year-old, known as June Cotter, inspires with her youthful spirit that matches her looks (I guessed that she was in her middle 80s), helping those around her adapt to their own twists and turns in Life.

Article written by Karen Lyddane

Carol Schwartz entered the world in Evansville, Indiana, which was a fortunate place to learn about life. She played and grew in this fine example of small-town America for about eight years. Both sides of her family went way back in that area. During WWII, there was plentiful employment both at the G.E. plant and in building the Landing Ship Tanks (LST’s) used exclusively during the War.

Her parents moved the family to Kentucky and after a year, went to Arlington, Virginia. Washington-Lee High School finished Carol’s basic education. Following college at American University, she worked at Fairfax Hospital as a Bacteriologist. This was during the mid to late ‘70’s. Incredible to think about, but true was the reality that, at this time, women weren’t allowed to have much credit except by having their husbands co-sign. This frustrated her-after all, she had a responsible job and was single. So, Carol attended George Mason Law School and switched her career.

Although they didn’t know each other at the time, Carol and James (“Jim”) MacKay worked in the same building in their careers as lawyers. Carol ended up working for the IRS in tax law simply because she was good at it.

Jim was an attorney for non-profits and employee plans at the IRS. He’s from Albany, New York. First, he was an accountant, then lived with his two aunts in San Diego while pursuing his own law degree. Torrey Pines, San Diego, was where you’d often Jim-golfing was his favorite pastime.

He moved to Arlington while Carol was still in law school. They met by way of friends. Jim was working with the husband of one of Carol’s friends. Two years later (why rush?) they married, and honeymooned at the Outer Banks, Ocracoke. They chose to have another honeymoon a few months later. This special time was spent driving from San Francisco to San Diego.

Today, their life journey is rich, in memories and living near their son. Andrew is married to a wonderful girl, who is mother to an eight-month-old beautiful boy named James Thomas. He is named for both sides of the family.

When Jim received an early diagnosis of a cognitive issue, they thought about their future and set about a plan to support living their lives as they encountered changes. The main reason they chose The Woodlands was the spacious, beautiful apartment styles, the indoor salt-water pool with the water aerobics courses.

Was it hard for Carol to give up her home? Yes! She was a young retiree, and felt it wasn’t yet time. Considering issues, however, brought about the realization that downsizing needed to happen while they were young and energetic enough to accomplish the daunting task. “It is amazing what you can accumulate!”

Moving to the independent lifestyle at The Woodlands brought about some observations. “It’s nice not having the obligation to fix dinner or maintain a home.” “Moving here, the on-site activities gave great opportunity to do what we could never do, and it supports my independence to this day.” “No worries about keeping things up.” “It’s not like leaving your life behind-I still go to activities I had before moving.”

While Jim’s needs grew, one room in their beautiful apartment also grew in becoming Carol’s perfect space, holding her office, a daybed, and enough area for online Zumba classes. She’s discovered the county and government “BARD” program, and downloads audiobooks, which accommodates her sight issues. These days, as Jim has recently moved to a community that focuses on his cognitive needs, Carol is adjusting to this tremendous change.

A parting observation about the support in living at The Woodlands sums up Jim and Carol’s journey: “The assisted living Gardens at Fair Oaks was perfect for our needs when we moved in, as Jim went to the Day Program for a long time. He’d come home at night, so we were together in the best possible way.” And the friends that they made in this welcoming community have provided extra support for the inevitable changes in life.

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.

Article written by Karen Lyddane

This Texan has the spirit and drive that support her statement: “The girl still has guts.” She said this with a narrowing and sharp eye – no argument could be possible!

In early childhood, Tina was taught by her mother what she knew – how to become a wife. She found herself cooking for the family at seven years of age. A lot happened during this time. Her father and mother separated, he died, and Tina decided right there and then that she would not be a compliant and quiet person-it just wasn’t in her. She had to be silly, she had to have fun! Her grandmother stepped in, and taught Tina the Spanish language. At the advanced age of nine, Tina developed a crush on a boy and said that he was who she would marry. A premonition? Well, she eventually married him! She couldn’t believe that she would be Mrs. Dela Rosa.

At sixteen, Tina decided that she wanted to go away to study. She was ready for an adventure away from home. There was a school in Waco that caught her interest, Baylor, known for being the hardest university in Texas. She applied herself and passed! The beginning of her nursing career started on a commute by bus when she was a bookkeeper. Tina thought it a great way to spend time by reading the posted ads. On a hot August day, riding the bus, she read: “Learn to take care of others and you’ll always take care of yourself.” This ad was for becoming a nurse, of course. Tina made up her mind right then and there-she would become a nurse. An ordinary part of the application process included having a physical. She asked the attending nurse about her job, and the reply was quick and enthusiastic: “It is the best job I could ever have.” Tina was convinced that she was on the right path, as her heart is in helping people. She is, to this day, a “People Person.”

Moving to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in the late 1960s showed Tina a different world; she could afford to shop, and shop she did! Garfinkels, Jelleffs, and Lord & Taylor saw her regularly. This was a wonderful time in her life, and being mother to her five children was greatly rewarding.

Also rewarding was her career in nursing. “Take nothing and no one for granted. You’re here for a little bit, and then you’re gone.” Tina Dela Rosa holds these words closely. For, you see, she retired from her best job of all, being an oncology nurse. And, this wasn’t supposed to happen at all, at least, not according to a good friend. Tina had just finished signing a contract, and a friend told her that she absolutely could NOT do that job! She told Tina to immediately resign, which was challenging as Tina hadn’t begun work!

For twelve years, the Bethesda Naval Hospital, as it was called back then, was her workplace. There, she taught about living with cancer to mostly couples. Tina always told the husbands that they should give their wife whatever she wanted – if she asked for something specific, and then changed her mind, they were not to make a face or react in any way except to go and get the latest request. This backfired, though…a patient came into her office one day, weirdly holding her hand. Tina thought to herself that the cancer had nothing to do with her hand but she was wrong – it had everything to do with her hand – on it was a huge diamond cocktail ring! “This is what I got from your teaching!” Tina thought it funny that her patient’s husband, a nice and kind man, took her advice in such a generous way. Throughout her career, she was known for hugging all of her patients, all the time.

Tina has lived in many areas in the Washington area, but her move to The Woodlands four years ago proved a life-changing experience. When she decided to sell her two-bedroom condo and look for a smaller apartment, Bill, her former son-in-law (who remains part of the family) asked her to look at The Woodlands. She’d not thought of living in such a community but found everything perfect. “You don’t know that you’re ready for this lifestyle, but I decided to learn what this type of living is all about.” The gracious chandelier that greeted her in the lobby, the gold-themed elevators (she loves Gold), and the residents made her smile and feel comfortable. Moving during the initial Covid health issue brought a revelation: “I should have memorized eyebrows as I couldn’t see faces!”

What does she like most about her lifestyle? “Where do I start?” Cooking was the first thing to go, although her kitchen is beautiful. Tina is thankful for all the friends she’s ever had, especially those she still knows from her college days, and works on taking nothing for granted. Her born-again experience with God has given a special community friend who prays regularly with her for the residents and staff.  She believes that moving to The Woodlands was the best thing she could have done, as being with people, and having the opportunity to do so, is a blessing every day of her life.

Article written by Gary Schnurrpusch

Gary and Diane met in downstate Normal, IL, when she was trying out for the Illinois State University marching band as a freshman clarinet player.  Sophomore Gary was a drum major.  While both majored in other fields (math for Gary; home economics for Diane), music played a huge part in their college experience.  Both continued to march in the band each fall while Gary also played alto saxophone in the ISU jazz band.  Despite widely different backgrounds, Gary from the northern Chicago suburbs and Diane from a farm in central Illinois, they saw a future together.  Gary and Diane both planned to be high school teachers after college.

With the Vietnam war raging, however, Gary signed up for Navy delayed entry officer programs in his junior year.  Upon his graduation in 1969, Gary left for training at Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI.  The couple was married at Great Lakes Naval Training Center one week after he was commissioned as a fleet Ensign, sword arch and all.  No honeymoon, Gary left two days later for his first ship while Diane stayed at ISU to complete her senior year.  Fortunately, she had enough credits to graduate in January 1970 and soon joined Gary in Charleston, SC.  Diane worked for a short time in the dietary department, teaching nutrition at the Medical University of SC hospital, then taught in the public schools, just as she did in later years.

While Gary’s dad was a 20-year career Navy Chief Petty Officer, Gary intended only to serve his three-year Navy service obligation and return to teach in Illinois.  But Gary and Diane enjoyed the Navy life and significant responsibilities so much during their first ship assignment, they decided to make the Navy a career.

Gary served on seven frontline ships, commanding three: USS O’CALLAHAN, an anti-submarine warfare frigate; USS GARY, a guided missile frigate; and USS BUNKER HILL, a state-of-the art Aegis guided missile cruiser.  While deployed on GARY in the Persian Gulf, he served in Operation EARNEST WILL, ramping up to Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM.  His service on BUNKER HILL included his third career deployment to the Persian Gulf plus a critical operation in the Strait of Taiwan against Chinese ballistic missiles, that were launched against Taiwan during the fourth China-Taiwan Crisis of 1996.  Navy officials said that BUNKER HILL’s operational success in this operation revitalized the Navy’s emerging ballistic missile defense (BMD) program for surface warfare ships, which is now a huge priority capability in today’s global fleet.

Gary also obtained a MS in Operations Research/Systems Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA) and served three tours in the Pentagon on the program analysis staffs of the Secretary of Defense and Chief of Naval Operations.  Gary retired as a Captain, Surface Warfare.

Over 28 fleet years, Gary and Diane raised two sons, Ryan and Mark, both married with children; moved 14 times; and enjoyed living on both U.S. coasts and Yokosuka, Japan.  Upon his retirement from the Navy in 1997, they returned to Northern Virginia, occupying the home they purchased in nearby Burke Centre in 1980.

With both sons on their own, Diane pursued a second career and obtained her MS in Library and Information Sciences from Catholic University of America in DC.  While she worked as a government reference librarian, she was also active in several professional organizations, including as president of the DC Special Libraries Association. Diane retired in 2013 from the Defense Technical Information Center, Fort Belvoir.

After her government retirement, Diane joined Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) where she continues to be active in historic preservation, such as helping to transcribe and type Fairfax County’s old, hand-written, school board and Board of Supervisors’ minutes, now available in the Fairfax County and DAR libraries.  One highlight of Diane’s retirement years has been three genealogy trips to Germany with a tour company that specializes in helping Americans find the hometowns of their German ancestors.  In 2019 Gary joined Diane on one of these trips as their 50^th wedding anniversary celebration.   Diane stays involved in a variety of genealogy societies and has given presentations on research techniques.  She is an active gym member and belongs to several book clubs.

After his Navy retirement, Gary continued to work as a senior maritime warfare analyst in three Washington DC companies, retiring from “beltway service” after 22 more years.  Being an avid music fan, who also had written and scored music for jazz bands in his college years, Gary follows jazz, classic rock, folk, and country music.

Gary and Diane are active attendees at the George Mason University (GMU) Center for the Arts.  Gary served on the Board of the Friends of the Center for the Arts for several years.  He remains active in Navy functions through on-line Navy discussion groups and enjoys reading military history and historical novels.  For two years, Gary served as a Trustee of Burke Centre, a Virginia-designated planned residential community.  Gary, a lifelong and die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, coached and umpired for Fairfax baseball leagues.  He follows the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls, too.

When Gary and Diane learned about the Woodlands, it seemed like coming home. They found exactly what they wanted … friendships and a pleasant life of in-house classes, concerts, trips, and social culture.   Gary continues his routine of a daily 3-mile speedwalk through the surrounding neighborhood and pond or on the Woodlands treadmill.  Diane supplements her outside gym classes with the Woodlands’ water aerobics class and in-house exercise.  They are very happy with their new apartment, which gives Gary his own office/library and Diane a guest room that doubles as her genealogy, computer, and scrapbooking space.  Their piano was a must and their apartment accommodates it.  Their children and grandchildren, who live in the west, agreed The Woodlands fits them perfectly.

It’s great to be here with our new friends and colleagues!

Article written by Karen Lyddane

The daughter of a Greek father named Andrew and American mother, Isabelle, Betty Marshall looks to her religious upbringing for giving her a full, rich life. Her parents met when Andrew came to America on business, and Isabelle went to work for him. Four years later, Andrew wanted to go back to Cyprus to see his family. He asked if she would run the business while he was gone, as she was so competent. Isabelle asked how long he would be away, Andrew told her, and her reply was that she didn’t want to do that. He pleaded, she stood firm and finally said: “I want to go with you!” Andrew replied that they couldn’t go together as they weren’t married, she said that they could be, so that’s what they did! They went to Cyprus and Betty was born there. The new family returned to the United States when she was just six months old.

Married life began one night when the brother of her best friend Virginia called and asked if a group of guys could come over. Virginia’s brother, Charles McLean Marshall, came along. All the girls pranced out, Charles elbowed his friend and said: “That one on the left, she’s mine!” and that was that!  At that time, he was in the Engineering program at North Carolina State. Betty and his sister were at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

When Betty graduated from college, Charles, a 2^nd Lieutenant, decided that he wanted a military career. He was stationed at Fairbanks, Alaska, and came back to marry her. They drove all the way back to Alaska on their so-called honeymoon. Somehow, they managed to find sleeping quarters every night. To this day, Betty can’t explain how this was possible, because traveling in Alaska then was quite primitive. The journey took nine days.

Years passed, and military life sent the family to three continents. Their three-year time in Greece allowed them to visit all of the Greek Islands, with Corfu being the favorite. Its beauty was unmatched! They welcomed their son Randy into their family one fine day in Greece. Their home for the next three years was in the lovely Paris, France. They saw all that France had to offer and had time to visit many other countries in Europe. The family learned to ski while on a trip with the American Church in Paris. Much of America was visited, too!

Now a Colonel, Charles was in two foreign wars, but with God’s hand, returned home sound in body and mind after his 30-year service. When the storms came, Betty dismissed them and instead learned to dance in the rain. She’s had an amazing journey!

A favorite hobby turned into a career for Betty. She learned the art of floral arranging from a lady at the Fairfax Presbyterian Church. One day, she was asked to make wedding flowers. Thinking that they were just for the altar and wedding couple, she said: “Why not?” Well, she quickly found out that there was much, much more, including making and placing the pew bows! She remembers picking up the phone and calling her teacher, who gave her a lightning-quick tutorial, barely in time for the perfect delivery of beautiful flowers for a couple’s special day. Her time with wedding flowers ended after 13 years. Today, Betty continues to teach others this specialized skill.

Betty’s background in music started with piano lessons, which her mother insisted that she keep up. Good thing that she did! For, when she was considering her classes in college, Betty asked herself what she was good at. She majored in piano, minored in voice (a high soprano), and organ. She taught piano for 30 years. You’ll see a lovely baby grand piano that is kept perfectly tuned in her apartment, should you visit her.

Impressions of retirement? “You will never retire. You will pick up new hobbies, new friends.” She has time for her interests and doesn’t have to choose so carefully between them. Betty will soon fulfill her dream of seeing Niagara Falls, and Canada, which are trips arranged through The Woodlands. Her independent lifestyle frees her up to make new friends to love, which is the biggest benefit of all. Also, she doesn’t have to scrub floors anymore!

Sometimes, the best of plans takes a turn…for the better!

Murray Black’s father was a West Point graduate and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford where he met and later married Murray’s mother, who was from Cirencester, England. His father was killed when Murray was very young. With the outset of World War II, his mother found herself with two young children and no possibility of going back to her family’s home in England.

Murray’s dream was to be fifth in line to go to West Point, but his hopes were dashed due to the unexpected finding of high blood pressure. The staff at Walter Reed could not get his pressure down. At the same time, he’d applied for a regular NROTC scholarship. He passed all his exams, including his blood pressure, “Since that was not what I really wanted to do.” However, providentially, at UVa on a blind date, Murray met the spice of his life-Ginger.

Fast forward to a life-changing week. Murray graduated college with a degree in Electrical Engineering, was commissioned into the Navy, and wed his lovely Ginger in New Jersey. Murray found that he really liked the Navy, as he loved being at sea. The places he saw were incredible, including Europe (and the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels), the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean. After the navy and graduate school, he went to George Mason and became the founding chairman of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and later held several dean positions.

Ginger grew up in Belleville and Glen Ridge, New Jersey.  She, too, had college plans that were dashed. She went to Mary Washington for two years, then nursing school at UVA. As she’d grown up in New Jersey, her family found this pretty dramatic.

Time to fast-forward for Ginger. Her life quickly changed into one as a Navy wife, raising three girls and teaching part-time. She worked as a Registered Nurse and along the way she found people really needed love, prayer, and to have someone to listen to them. Today, Ginger finds reading Scripture important and fulfilling. She works on scrapbooking and loves to walk on beaches. The sand, the waves, the sound of the water, all are precious to her. Crafting cards has become almost a ministry.

The ocean seems to accompany Ginger and Murray throughout their life together. Every three years, they host their whole family at the homey-feeling Sandbridge, which is south of Virginia Beach. Generations have attended for almost 30 years. On their next trip, they will see their recently born great grandson. They enjoy traveling and have seen many places.

Early in their life together, Church life was integral and continues today. They credit this commitment as making a major change in their lives. A remembrance from a “Marriage Encounter” weekend was the philosophy that “Love is not a feeling. Love is a decision.”

Unique are their five missionary trips to Uganda, which was greatly depleted by two corrupt regimes. These trips were life-changing for them. Murray helped the prominent Anglican seminary in Uganda to become a full-scale Christian University which was important to educate leaders to improve the life of its citizens. Ginger was involved in women’s conferences, workshops, and prayer. She toured hospitals and clinics and saw how badly they were equipped and lacking skills. A new nursing program and medical school are both now providing improved medical care.

They found Ugandans so kind, so appreciative-their presence meant much more than just sending money in support. Well, their suitcases, crammed with laboratory equipment on their journeys over, were valued highly, too! They are currently involved in scholarships and assist with funds for medical and engineering equipment. Their efforts are now taken on by a daughter and her husband.

Joys of their life are their three daughters, three sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, grandchild-in-law and great-grandson. Their three daughters visited The Woodlands before their decision and said, “This is for you.” They knew, when they stepped into their community, that it just felt right. The decision was made from their mutual respect: “If anything ever happens to either, our support system is in place.” “Everyone has a smile on their face.” And so do Murray and Ginger Black.

Article written by Karen Lyddane

From a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania, Jane Diehl shared her youth with six siblings. She was next to the youngest-the oldest is a youthful 95 years old at the writing of this article. Jane went to Washington, D.C. 11 days after graduation from High School, because a sister was living there and wanted to share a great opportunity. The young Jane was inspired to pass the Civil Service test and was offered a job right on the spot! She was 17 years old, hadn’t ventured from her beginning, and was scared to death. Although Jane didn’t want to leave home, her sister and a friend persuaded her to step into the job “as she could always quit.”

Of great comfort was the ease of going home on the weekends.

In high school days, Jane had a lot of friends but would never claim that she was popular. So, imagine how surprised she was when her classmates voted her to be their Prom Queen in 1960! This was in her senior year.

Arriving in Washington, DC in June of 1960 Jane moved in with her sister and two friends in an apartment in SE Washington, DC. A year later she moved to Arlington, living there until moving to her current home at The Woodlands Retirement Community. Jane was not one to move around a lot. All during this time, Jane had a government career. She was at the Department of Agriculture for 29 years, where she regularly met and worked with political appointees. This was a fascinating time for Jane and it was there a friend introduced her to USDA Assistant Secretary, Wilmer “Vinegar Bend” Mizell, who was seeking an assistant for his new presidential appointment by his friend George W. Bush, as Executive Director, President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS). Mr. Mizell was a politician and former professional baseball player. He served three terms as a member of Congress from North Carolina and known outside his political career as a hard-throwing left-handed pitcher for the original Mets, the St. Louis Cardinals and finally with the Pittsburgh Pirates where he played in their 1960 World Series Championship. Jane was sure that she would stay in her current job but gave in to some convincing talk and accepted a lunch invitation with him. That was it. She just couldn’t say no! He won her over, she accepted the position, and they became best friends. She remembers him for being “a true Christian.” The PCPFS is a Federal advisory committee made up of well-known sports and fitness personalities, with Arnold Schwarzenegger as Chairman while Jane worked there. He visited all 50 states promoting the physical fitness program.

After 2 years at PCPFS, Mr. Mizell accepted a new appointment – Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Jane went with him and finished her government career as Program Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. Her office windows overlooked Lafayette Park and the north side of the White House. On 9/11, Jane was in her office when the plane hit the Pentagon. Although she didn’t see the actual impact, Jane saw the building instantly turn into a raging inferno. She exited the building and not wanting to ride the subway, walked through Georgetown, over Key Bridge, then up Lee Highway to her Arlington residence. Jane will always remember the weird sky-it was so quiet. Right then and there, she decided it was time to think about retirement and leaving the city.

Jane retired in January following the terrorist incident. It wasn’t the way she wanted to end her career, but she is convinced that it turned out to be the best thing. Today, she is 23 years retired after a 42-year government career.

Adventures in life revolved around being a “beach person” and traveling to islands. She enjoyed sailing trips with friends and found she didn’t like sailing at night and preferred staying on top with whoever was on watch.

After many years of living in a condominium, a fall resulted in surgery. Jane realized it was time to think about a more carefree living environment, where she could enjoy living independently with low or no maintenance. She wanted to feel safe and secure, have nutritious meals and the opportunity to meet new friends. Her favorite thing at The Woodlands Retirement Community is the welcoming invitations of her neighbors to join them for dinner.  Not only does she enjoy good food with her neighbors, but also the great opportunity to become acquainted and have new friends. Her move to the Woodlands Retirement Community provides all the above and more, making for her stress-free life.

James waves as he goes confidently in the direction of his dreams.

Article written by Karen Lyddane

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., James Dotson grew up in a Christian home. His church life influenced his world “as far back as I can remember.” His young voice, a high tenor, fostered many moments in choir. A friend and James started a small group of singers—a Christian chorale varying in size but never more than 12. His tenor voice added to this four-part harmony singing group. They moved around as the singing engagements dictated. Later, he dropped out of church life but continued to sing with this group.

An invitation to a church to sing provided a moment of listening to a sermon in 1994 that changed his life. James remembers two points: 1) God still loves you, and 2) only God, not you, has the power to change you. These points encouraged James to go into counseling to create the new direction he desired. He decided to dedicate himself to his faith.

Backpacking, an infrequent but favorite activity in former years, is replaced by walking in Nature, which he often does today. James smiled when revealing that he’s recently purchased a mountain bike. It’s today’s version of memorable times with bicycle touring. He hopes to begin riding it this summer. He plans to work soon with a voice coach so his 2nd Tenor voice can be heard again. Movies with powerful stories attract him—he has a collection including those with historical themes. He is especially drawn to movies focusing on the challenges of Black/African American people. Not totally predictable, James also has a copy of “Secretariat.” Museums with the Imax theaters, going to the Holocaust Museum, being with family and friends, all factor-in highly.

James taught Grade 7– through 10, and Physical Education, as a science teacher for a private Christian school. He was friends with a music teacher, and when she decided to form a band, he played the trombone for a brief time.

Of all his life experiences, James counts his time as his mother’s family caregiver as the most fulfilling moment. He thanks God for being able to be with her as she spent her final years before “going to her rest” at the age of 94. He reached higher levels of patience and caring in witnessing his mother’s transition from her home to assisted living to rehabilitation, then long-term care.

James has two main thoughts on living an independent lifestyle. He advises planning for the future as soon as one is able, so that when the time comes, (s)he is as well-prepared as possible. Retirement, for James, gives choice to live as he wishes. For instance, removing the issue of commuting alone frees up time needed for pursuing his interests, such as working with his faith-based, non-profit organization. James wishes to work as long as he can, this fulfills him, rather than just being entertained. He wants to do a lot more and experience life. Making a difference is important.

Bottom line? James devotes himself to his God and prays to “allow me to fulfill your plan.” He is a brother, an uncle, a friend. His many roles and responsibilities combine in embracing life. And that, the simple but complicated effort of embracing life, makes every day a triumph for James.

Article written by Karen Lyddane

Best described as a “travelogue,” Jim and Joanna Sullivans’ journey through life started in New England. They find it amazing that Joanna, from Providence, RI, and Jim, from Boston, MA, ventured across the waters to Germany, where they would meet and join hands. Joanna, at age 22, already showed her adventuring spirit. She was just out of school and left her teaching job in Prince George’s County to go overseas. Her six close friends had gone in different directions and she surprised everyone by packing her suitcases for her new home. Joanna’s family just couldn’t understand why she would do such a thing, after all, she went on her own, alone! Meanwhile, Jim was stationed in Mainz. They decided to socialize in the same group of other single people. The turning point came when Joanna found that John F. Kennedy was coming over. She wanted so much to see him (she’d worked for him as a volunteer when he was a Senator), and Jim had a car…thus their courtship began. After waiting for Jim to come home to Rhode Island, they married during a 12” snowfall, on December 28th.

Their first seven years inspired Jim and Joanna’s globetrotting life. They moved every year, sometimes twice in one year. They lived in New Jersey, Oklahoma, Korea, Rhode Island and Georgia. Moving so much meant minimal possessions-they downsized before they upsized! Jim’s military career was the driving force. Like most military couples, they had no problem balancing career and family. They did what they had to do and didn’t think twice-this was everyone’s mindset. Jim and Joanna feel that their children benefited from learning in many schools. Their four children, Jim III, Patrick, Brendan, and Kerri, are all married. Each has two children of their own, born within four years of each other. Six of eight grandchildren are in college, studying a variety of subjects-they are the number one interest of this busy couple.

Jim counts living in Japan during high school years as formative. Another formative time was the year in which he graduated, was accepted for college, left his family, and went to Indiana. In another significant year, he went to 16 straight Red Sox games. His first “visit” to his alma mater Notre Dame was when he stepped off the train, duffel bag on his back, on his way to meet his new classmates.

Jim rises early and goes to church on most days. He returns to join the Men’s Coffee Club, where they “solve the worlds’ problems, and create more.” He enjoys dinner with his neighbors, but also alone with his wife. He swims three times a week and has become great friends with Cyrus Kanzi, the Pool Instructor. Jim follows team sports; college baseball is his favorite.
Joanna is an avid reader with her choice of genre being fiction and actively participates in a book club. The woodsy paths at her new community often see her walking shoes. The saltwater pool is another source of her exercise. As a child, Joanna played many card games and still does! She’s discovered “Hand and Foot” which is now her favorite. Joanna is very sociable and appreciates her new friendships.

What they like a lot in their new community are the evening concerts. Joanna hadn’t heard bluegrass before she attended a concert and now taps her toe to American Roots music. After discovering their proximity to George Mason University, they are enhancing their lives with all the cultural and educational offerings. They are happy to see familiar performers at GMU, who are often scheduled in their community living room.

The main reason for Jim and Joanna’s move into The Woodlands was to live a lifestyle that freed them up for spending time with their children and grandchildren. Jim and Joanna marvel that their children have been in their professions for 25 years or so, and that they had some part in their success. Wonderful life, family, success in many directions, desire to live life to its fullest-these make up a big part of their reasoning for moving into an independent lifestyle in a community. They moved because they wanted to be free, to live, and believe that The Woodlands was the perfect answer to their considerations.

Article written by Karen Lyddane. Photo given by Lynn Magrum.

Lynn Magrum lived where she was born, in Buffalo, New York, until she was 23. Youth was filled by her large Italian family that expected her to help others. This translated into finding just the right career, and she found it. Nursing school was where she belonged. Oncology and Hospice strongly held Lynn’s heart, where they reside today. In Oncology she could make a difference in her patient’s journey, by managing their physical and mental stresses. After writing her own memoirs, she taught a memoir writing class at Life with Cancer, sharing them with her patients. She taught cancer survivors how to write their own.

A creative touch to motherhood was in naming her daughter. Lynn and Charlie combined the two names of Alissa’s grandmothers, Alice and Teresa, and her daughter became “Alissa.” The name is heard often today, spelled differently, but was not common at all back then.

Achieving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees was challenging, to say the least! Her children were just two and 4 when she determinedly worked through challenges for success. Her husband, Charlie, would come home from work, they’d have a short conversation about their children, then off she would go off to class at George Mason University from 7-10 p.m.  until Eric and Alissa were old enough to go to GMU’s childcare center. So, her degree was a long process-she went back for her Nurse Practitioner degree when Eric and Alissa were in college.  Her career of 59 years was in nursing, with 29 years as a Nurse Practitioner. She worked for a time at Rosswell Park Cancer Institute.

Later in life, Lynn found herself living alone in her 3,000 square foot house. She had a different lifestyle, and didn’t need the responsibilities of it and the large yard. Charlie, her husband, was declining in his health, which forced the decision to move him where he could have increased support as needed.<

Lynn during her nursing career worked at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Schar Cancer Center, Capital Caring Hospice and palliative care and in a private oncology practice.

In 2024, Lynn made another decision-to move into The Woodlands. This freed her up to pursue her goals-she feels that her experience and education are not ready to sit on the shelf!

Lynn has had adventures in hang-gliding and parasailing. Alissa talked her into becoming a triathlete. Lynn did a ½ marathon first, then a triathlon of swimming, biking, and running. Today, Lynn enjoys golfing, walking, leading hikes at Wintergreen and being in Nature. Lynn is in two book clubs, a prayer group, plays Mahjong, and sets one day aside every week to volunteer at Mother of Mercy clinic in Manassas, Virginia. She helps people in need of medical services who are uninsured.

Lynn credits her biggest accomplishment in life to teaching Eric and Alessa the importance of giving to others. Goals are to be Charlie’s advocate and maintain his best quality of life.  An equally important goal is to not let people forget her grandson, Zachary, who died at seven years of Downs Syndrome. She and her family and friends are helping students with Downs Syndrome achieve their higher education dreams, through “Ruby’s Rainbows” scholarship foundation.  In supporting this organization, Lynn supports her own heart! She has a faith that supports every day of her life, and trusts that she is given the wisdom to make the right decisions.

From Lynn: “Don’t wait to do what brings you joy and fulfillment.” “Live life to the fullest!”

In Vietnam, Sophia Bainum first opened her eyes. Years later, aided by her brother-in-law (who worked for the Embassy in Laos), her family went to Thailand so they could eventually live in America. They received refugee status and came to America with green card in hand. Washington, D.C., greeted the family next. They stayed in a house because of a connection to the Embassy. Sophia was sponsored by a Colonel, who found work for her. She learned English by immersion, as there wasn’t time to go to school, as she worked from about 7:30 a.m. to midnight to support her family. Sophia said: “My English does not show my heart.”

One of Sophia’s early jobs was working in food service at Arlington Hospital. Her future husband, Doug Bainum, worked there also, in maintenance. He worked on boilers. Repairing a broken sink in her home was the beginning of a love story that lasted many years. She laughs at the memory of how it took three days to repair that sink! She told her mother about him with the result of asking him to dinner with her family. They faced challenges with her cultural traditionalism and her fear of his family not accepting her. Spending many moments with each other’s family was enjoyable to both. This was the perfect solution! Today, you can hear Sophia in the hallway calling to Robert Bainum, “Her father.”

Marrying Doug was the highlight of her life. Their love opened the doors for many opportunities. After his death, she gave up her single-family home and moved into The Woodlands. Five years later in her new life, she says that it “Is perfect right now.” She has no complaints about anything. Living an independent lifestyle gives her time and energy to see her family often. Sophia loves to wake up every day in her beautiful community- “Why live anywhere else?” She doesn’t have to worry about anything…she just enjoys life!

Friends, errands, and reading her Bible on her phone or computer, are all favorite daily parts of her life. Sophia loves to travel with her church. She really likes to watch YouTube.

Sophia prays that she stays peaceful. She really likes her many Woodlands friends. What one word sums up her independent lifestyle? “Great!”