Moms Rekindle Friendship Decades Later at Stoney River Marshfield

MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Seeing a friendly face is what sealed the deal for Rena Maguire when it came to her decision to move to Stoney River Marshfield. Rena toured other senior living communities with her family, but none of them felt right. When recently visiting Stoney River, Rena spotted her longtime friend Dolores Maguire and told her family, “This is where I want to be.”

Today Rena and Dolores, along with a third friend, Nancy, are all happily reunited at Stoney River and making the most of life’s next chapter together in assisted living. They enjoy catching up with each other’s families, reminiscing about the past and participating in programs and activities. Rena, who is quite good at shooting pool, has not yet talked Dolores into playing a game in the Stoney River Tavern.

“They were all so happy to see a familiar face in their new Stoney River home,” said Donna Staab, who is Dolores’ daughter as well as a volunteer at Stoney River’s assisted living and memory support community.

All three women were homemakers and active church members, who raised their large families within five miles of each other in Halder, WI. Decades later, the ladies still have plenty in common.

“Both mom and Rena are accomplished seamstresses who brought their sewing machines with them to Stoney River,” said Donna, adding a fun fact—Rena sewed Dolores’ mother-of-the-bride dress for Donna’s wedding!

In addition to rekindling friendships, Dolores continues to pursue her hobbies. She embroidered hundreds of tea towels with a wide variety of patterns—her favorites featuring spiritual symbols and quotes—crocheted family heirlooms (for her 35 grandchildren and great-grandchildren!) and made several of her famous potato bags and soup cozies.

Life is Better with Friends

Donna and her family are pleased to see mom blossom among old friends and new friends. “Before moving to Stoney River, mom was isolated and the only social interaction she had was with family,” Donna said. “We are really happy mom is at Stoney River and enjoying a more social lifestyle.”

Among some of Dolores’ new friends are her sewing buddy, Mary Lou, and several Stoney River team members. She’s particularly fond of Val, the Activity Coordinator, Betty the Concierge, Kim, LPN, who keeps tabs on Dolores’ health and helps her with her jigsaw puzzles too.

“Mom really enjoys art projects and exercise class, which is funny because she never liked exercise programs before!” said Donna.

Dolores says everyone at Stoney River from the LEA’s to the culinary and housekeeping team members and others are so kind and helpful. “Our family is very pleased with how the staff works together to provide thoughtful and thorough care for mom,” said Donna.
In more ways than one, Donna is part of Stoney River’s extended family. While volunteering, Donna occasionally covers concierge duties, delivers residents’ mail and always makes time to check on Dolores and her friends.

“Donna’s dedication to our community and the sisterhood of these women friends just warms my heart,” says Stoney River’s Lifestyle Specialist Meranda Lelonek.

Who will you meet at Stoney River?

Meranda invites area older adults who are considering a move to senior living and their family to experience the warmth and friendliness of Stoney River Marshfield’s assisted living and memory support community, located at 1204 W. McMillan Street, Marshfield, WI, on a visit.

Maybe, you too will bump into a friend at Stoney River or see the potential to make a new one! Plus, those who tour in May will receive a gift card to Hefko Floral Company for a spring tulip bouquet. To schedule a visit, please contact Meranda at 844-618-9751 or [email protected].

Stoney River Marshfield offers assisted living, located at 1204 W. McMillan Street, Marshfield, WI and memory support, located down the street at 1609 W. St. Joseph Ave. Residents live full and engaged lives among a community of peers and with the support needed to live as independently as possible while enjoying the award-winning VIVA! lifestyle that enhances lives, inspires joy and fosters purpose. For more information, visit www.stoneyrivermarshfield.com.

 We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!