Sun Health Senior Living residents share what they are thankful for

By Susie Steckner 

To-do lists, family gatherings and a calendar full of activities. During this busy time of year, it can be difficult to slow down and reflect. But isn’t it the best time to ask “What am I grateful for in my life?”

Here is what some of our residents are most thankful for this season:

Kathy Pebley, The Colonnade 

If Kathy Pebley says she is grateful for the Arizona sun, she might only be half kidding.

The former educator spent nearly four decades overseas teaching, with 32 of those years in famously cloudy and damp England.

“I’m grateful for the fact that I did that, and that I had the courage, which added up to 37 years living abroad,” she says.

When it came time to retire, Kathy set her compass west. “I wanted to dry out in Arizona,” she says.

A resident at The Colonnade for four years, she is truly thankful for the lifestyle there.

“I’m grateful for the fact that I have the finances to live here,” Kathy says. “It was important to me to have a health plan, so I don’t worry about what happens to me in the next 10 years or so, because I will be taken care of.”

Tony and Rosemary Saputo, Grandview Terrace

After 15 years as residents of Grandview Terrace, Tony and Rosemary Saputo know exactly what they are grateful for today – their decision to move in.

“Grandview Terrace has completely met all of our hopes and dreams for a perfect retirement,” the couple says.

The Saputos did their homework, vising other properties in search of their new home, but Grandview Terrace just fit the bill on so many levels. Now, they are living out their “retirement dream.” From the friendly greetings by staff each morning to the excellent entertainment programs to the fine dining options, Grandview Terrace has exceeded the couple’s expectations.

“The staff and employees go the extra mile to make our lives healthy, safe, comfortable and secure,” the couple says. “Residing at Grandview Terrace reminds us of the ancient cliché, ‘Save the best for last.’ ”

Betty Lynch, La Loma Village

Betty Lynch needed to make a change, but also needed a little push. When it happened, it was life changing.

“I’m very grateful to the Lord, who was kind of nudging me along and telling me that I had to give up my pride and give up my great home,” she says. “It was a 3,500-square-foot home, and the cat and I didn’t need five bedrooms and three baths.”

A longtime Avondale resident, Betty had watched La Loma Village being built, and was impressed with the beautiful property and convenient location to her church and volunteer activities. “So I didn’t look any further,” she says.

When Betty suffered a stroke earlier this year, she was grateful for that nudge to move.

“I didn’t need any care,” she says, “but I was where the care was if I needed it.”