Senior Living with the Comfort of Home

Grace has spent her whole life in the Fox Cities. She was raised in Darboy and lived with her husband, Carl, in Appleton for four decades after the two married in 1956.  

The couple raised four daughters and two sons and went on to have 12 grandchildren. Eventually, Grace and Carl, who were married for 61 years, downsized and moved to Combined Locks. When Carl died in 2018, Grace was determined to stay in her home. 

“When my husband passed away, I was going to stay there for sure. But two years later, I said, ‘I can’t do this,’ she says. 

While it wasn’t easy to decide to move, Grace says her family was supportive. In fact, her children were relieved that she had made the decision on her own. But next it was time to find a place to live. 

“My oldest daughter’s best friend told her, ‘If your mom is looking tell her to take a big, long look at The Heritage,’” Grace says, adding that the friend’s late father-in-law had loved living at the ThedaCare-run senior living residence. 

The Heritage offers independent and assisted living. It provides an around-the-clock care team that’s available for cooking, cleaning and maintenance.  

Grace moved to The Heritage in 2020 after doing a virtual tour. She chose an independent living apartment, where she enjoys all the comfort and independence of home without the responsibilities. Selecting that option allowed Grace to furnish and decorate the apartment with her own belongings. At the same time, she can take part in social activities like bus trips and onsite and offsite concerts. 

The Heritage also offers exercise classes, crafts, games, book clubs and discussion groups. Onsite amenities include a dining room, coffee shop, convenience store, library, beauty shop and chapel. 

“It’s really secure. I’m surrounded by people, and there’s always someone who can come and help you if you need it,” Grace says. “I love being with my friends, and I’ve made a lot of new friends. I’m happy.” 

Each day, Grace tries to get outside for a walk around the leafy grounds at The Heritage. Some of her favorite activities include bus trips to restaurants for breakfast and outings to Pierce Park in Appleton for summer concerts. She’s also an avid reader and cherishes visits with her children, grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 

Grace, who did secretarial work for several years after staying home to raise her children, says she has gone through both wonderful and difficult times throughout her 87 years. To stay grounded, she prays a lot and keeps everything in perspective.  

“I’ve just been very blessed. Things haven’t always been perfect, that’s for sure, but you just keep going,” she says.