For Barb the Adventure Continues!
Barb is a Very Sweet Lady, Who Does Not Look Her Age
Her story began in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Her Dad was a sales engineer, and they moved many places in the U.S. for his job. Barb was told the story that her father brought back pictures of cows and of the countryside, and told them that they were going to move to the Midwest!
Barb was born both blind and deaf. When she was 4 years old, everything changed with her senses, … they were at a party, and Barb picked up a match and handed it to her Mom… and her Mom then realized she could see and hear!
Barb used to love to cook with her Mom. “She used to have parties and I’d love to set the tables and help set up food.”
Barb met her husband Tom at a Fox Valley Shelter Workshop, in Appleton and they married in 1970, and lived in Appleton, WI ever since. Her Mom lived to be 85, while her Dad passed away at age 68. Barb worked for Presto products for 35 years!
Barb and Tom met friends Deanna and Ron on their regular vacations to Hawaii, which they cherished, and Barb remains friends with them today, visiting them in Indiana for several weeks each year.
Barb and Tom also were involved in volunteering for the Fox Cities Marathon every year for many many years. She loves volunteering and loves watching the marathon, supporting and cheering on! Barb continues to volunteer for this, along with her Right at Home caregiver, enjoying the involvement in community and a sport.
In 2013 Barb’s husband, Tom, had the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Barb was his main caregiver. Since the care for Tom got much harder than Barb could handle alone, Right at Home was called to help care for Tom in his last 6 months, along with a hospice agency. After Tom’s passing, Barb moved to the Heritage independent apartments to ease the burden of housework on herself, as she did not have family around, and she also retained the companionship care and guidance from Right at Home for herself, for that sense of support, to do things together, as well as help in managing doctor appts. And we are on the go! 2-3 times a week, we get together to go places and do things… appointments, events, shows, concerts, walks on nature trails… trips to Door County, …getting nails done, ect. On her list of desires is to see the Great River Road, along the Mississippi, in western Wisconsin.
When asked what she always wanted for retirement, Barb stated that she always wanted to have her health in retirement. One of her goals is to see and experience as many areas all over Wisconsin that she can. Barb loves the outdoors and nature. She also enjoys music as well as painting. She loves car shows, and watching all sports, except boxing and golf. She is an avid Packers fan! - which fits in well around here! She loves going to Lambeau Field – whether to the Hall of Fame or a restaurant inside the stadium, like 1919. Finding new places for a favorite good burger is always a gem.
After many pictures of places and things experienced, the adventure continues for more than 4.5 years with Right at Home!
If if you or someone you love is in need of care, contact us today. If you are looking to join our superior care team, apply today!
