In the autumn of 2006, Joann Thomas was facing changes. Her husband of 58 years, Bill, was admitted to the Pathways Center for Alzheimer’s Care on the Springfield campus. Having never lived alone in her life, Joann was left in a house that was too big for her and facing a lot of uncertainty over her future. The answer was closer than she knew.
The Springfield Masonic Community campus opened its independent and assisted living to non-Masons as well as Masons in fall 2006. Joann, who had no Masonic affiliation, became the first such resident, moving to an Iredell Gardens independent living apartment in early 2007.
Despite little knowledge of the Masonic fraternity, Joann got a sampling of the principles her first day on campus. New neighbors greeted her, offered help and invited her to dinner.
“The people have been so helpful,” Joann said. “I can now be with people and not be so lonely. I wanted to get back to doing the things I did before.”
Joann’s daughter, Ann Pencil, is a nurse at the Springfield campus. She and her nine siblings knew this would be the ideal place for their mom.
“There was really no question,” said Ann, a 12-year employee. “When mom wanted to come here, it was easy to convince my siblings. It’s great mom and dad are here, at a place I am proud to work and it’s a great comfort to my family.”
Ann even gets to work at Pathways on occasion. Knowing her parents can see each other daily was another consideration. Although Joann’s apartment is up the hill from Bill’s room at Pathways, campus security provides transportation, which means a lot to her.
“They are always polite,” she said about the campus security team.
Joann said she likes the flexibility of knowing she can eat in her apartment or at the Lindner Community Center. And she is secure in the knowledge she has good neighbors who live according to Masonic principles.
“I highly recommend Springfield Masonic Community,” she said. “I feel comfortable here. And I know my husband is getting the best possible care.”
