A Perfect Day With Mary

Apr 1, 2016

Cheerful Mary Silva, Never Contrary - Nevah!

Cheerful Mary Silva,
Never Contrary – Nevah!

“It’s like a hotel here! What’s to complain about?”  Mary Silva tells me in her cheerful upbeat voice, “They clean my room and cook for me and I don’t have to do anything.”

She moved to St. Germain Assisted Living six months ago. Mary told me a story about how she had lost all her possessions in a disaster that made her homeless.  She then moved in with her daughter for a year until it reached a point where she needed her own space; “I’m 92 and don’t even own a blanket” she would say to herself.

Born and raised in Manhattan, Mary was married until her husband’s untimely death at the age of 59. “I was married for 39 years and have been alone for 34 years.” Mary observes.  Three children came from that marriage which has now blossomed into five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and even one great-great grandchild.  Best of all they all live in the area.

Her husband was a pastry chef and ran a bakery in Lincoln called the Saan-Joet Bakery. Mary worked right alongside him.

“Was it difficult to work with your husband all day long?” I ask her, ever the nosy interviewer.

She wisely replied, “I ran the front and he ran the back and that’s how we got along!”

He then became allergic to flour and went to work for Texas Instruments.  Mary took her retail skills to Peerless in Lincoln until the store closed.  That’s when she decided to retire from work.

These days Mary spends her time reading mysteries, thrillers and love stories, which must be the reason her mind is so sharp.

She is philosophical about life: “I’ve had a good life filled with many blessings.” She also tells me that she has chosen not to undergo any medical interventions for her lung cancer.

“What’s a perfect day for you?” I ask her.

“A perfect day is every Saturday when my son comes to spend time with me. He takes me to the hairdresser and then lunch and finally shopping.”  A stylish dresser, Mary’s favorite store is Macy’s.

Hey, what more can a gal ask for? Yes, Mary has certainly been blessed – and we are blessed to have such a positive and brave woman living with us at St. Germain Assisted Living!

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