Second-Generation Residents Find Comfort and Happiness in Westminster Communities

Across the state, many Westminster Life Plan Communities are home to second-generation residents—those choosing to live in the same communities where their family members once lived.

Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee is a prime example of this trend, with a significant number of its residents having familial connections to the community. Of the approximately 600 residents, more than 65 have relatives who previously lived there, including Carolyn Shackelford, whose mother, Lucy, was a resident for 23 years.

Carolyn and her husband of 68 years, Steven, made the move to Westminster Oaks in October of 2011, just two months after her mother passed.

Carolyn recalls her initial reluctance: “My mantra was, ‘I will never live here,’” she admitted. Despite enjoying her visits to see her mother, she never envisioned herself living in the same place. The decision came when the couple was looking to downsize from their two-story home, which required extensive upkeep. Steven said, “I’m moving one time. Where do you want to go?”

Carolyn reconsidered. “All those years I said I never wanted to live here, it wasn’t because of the place or the staff. It was just the idea of being in the same place where my mom had been for so many years, and where I visited for so many years, but then it got to be a blessing,” she explained. Carolyn wanted a place that felt like home and where family could visit—a wish that has been fulfilled over the past 13 years.

The compassionate care her mother received also played a significant role in her decision. Her mother was in Assisted Living when Carolyn took a trip abroad for a few weeks. She left a series of cards and notes for her mother for each day she would be gone. Every day, team members at the community would give Lucy one of Carolyn’s cards.

Reflecting on the experience, Carolyn expressed her gratitude: “I could not have asked for a nicer place to have a mother that you love,” she said. “Knowing that I didn’t have to be with her every minute. They were all so good to her.”

Similarly, Happy Schuur and his wife Glenda decided to move to Westminster Towers on Lake Lucerne in Orlando, where Happy’s mother lived more than 20 years ago. When they were ready to move out of their home, give up the yard work and upkeep, Happy confidently chose Westminster Towers. He remarked, “We wanted some place to go, and I knew this was the best. We didn’t even look around.”

Happy and Glenda are brand-new residents, having only lived at Westminster Towers for a few weeks, but they have already received an incredibly warm welcome. The positive experiences his mother had at Westminster Towers was also a large motivator in their decision to move. “She was treated so good here,” Happy said. “People are so nice and friendly here. It’s great, great community.”

A native of central Florida, Happy has cherished memories of visiting his mother at Westminster Towers, especially watching the Independence Day fireworks over Lake Eola from her residence. Now, he and Glenda are excited to create new memories in their own space.

Happy appreciates the lifelong care commitment of the community, saying, “One thing about this place is when you’re here, they take care of you for life and that’s why I’m here. They will take care of me.”

Reflecting on their decision, Happy expressed contentment: “I’m glad I did it. My wife’s glad we did it. You don’t have to worry about anything,” he said. “We are very happy here and I hope we get even happier.”

Meanwhile, Carolyn, who lives more than 250 miles away from Happy, echoed his feelings about her own community at Westminster Oaks. “Where else would I find so much support, nice neighbors, and a welcoming, wonderful, and helpful administration than right here at Westminster Oaks? I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” she shared.

Carolyn and Happy’s stories highlight a trend at Westminster Communities, where the legacy of family and the assurance of quality care draw second-generation residents to follow in their relatives’ footsteps. This underscores the deep trust and satisfaction these communities generate, emphasizing their role in strengthening family ties and enhancing life. As more people like Carolyn and Happy choose these nurturing environments, Westminster Communities continue to prove themselves as spaces where generations of families can thrive in comfort and happiness.

Interested in exploring a Westminster Community for yourself or a loved one? Visit our website today to locate the community that fits your needs perfectly!

Generosity Lives On: Mary Jane Tenny’s Estate Gift Supports Her Community

The Westminster Communities Foundation is honored to be the recipient of a generous estate gift from Mary Jane Tenny, an educator and long-time resident of Westminster Manor in Bradenton. 

Tenny’s bequest to Westminster is worth $15,000 and will benefit the Manor Benevolent Assistance Fund to assist residents that outlive their resources. The Westminster Communities Foundation honors her generosity here at Westminster Manor in Bradenton, Florida. 

Tenny moved to the Manor in 2013 and passed away in 2022. Originally from Michigan, she spent many years working in special education, a role which Manor Chaplain Holly Wildhack said remains a key to understanding Tenny’s deep care for those in need. 

“When you teach in special education, you often develop a powerful devotion to those in need,” Wildhack said. “She spent her entire life thinking about those who needed compassion.”

Fellow Manor resident Sue Harden said she will always remember Mary Jane as a rare friend who, due to her experience teaching blind children, knew Braille. 

Harden, who is blind, said it was a surprising connection to have with another resident. As to her place at the Manor, Harden said it was clear that Tenny, who had no immediate family, found an ideal home when she moved there.

“She thought of this place as her family and we were glad she came to be a part of us,” Harden said.

Though mostly quiet and reserved, Tenny is remembered for being intellectual and active in community life at the Manor, first as an independent resident and later in assisted living. She was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and was among the last attending when it merged with Palma Sola Presbyterian, also in Bradenton. Tenny loved to support her community through her local giving, often memorializing her friends at their passing. Many other charitable organizations benefitted from her generosity before and after her passing.

“I was fortunate enough to get to know Mary Jane and witness first-hand her deep interest in blessing her neighbors, whether here at the Manor, at church, or even elsewhere in the world,” said Mark Reimers, Director of Philanthropy for Westminster Communities in Bradenton. “Her giving in life and death has left in important legacy and testimony to her love and compassion.”

There are tax advantages to giving life insurance policies, estate gifts and charitable gift annuities. Contact Mark Reimers, Director of Philanthropy, at mreimers@wservices.org or call 941-782-3271 to find out how you can leave a legacy at Westminster Communities in Bradenton.

Fitch Rates Westminster Communities of Florida Bonds ‘A-’ with Stable Outlook

Orlando, August 8, 2024 – Westminster Communities of Florida is proud to announce that Fitch Ratings has assigned an ‘A-’ rating with a stable outlook to its 2024 series of bonds.

The rating reflects the strong financial performance and robust operational strategies of our organization. An investment-grade, ‘A-’ rating is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality communities and services, ensuring financial stability and operational excellence.

The stable outlook from Fitch Ratings indicates confidence in our ongoing financial health and our ability to meet the needs of residents now and in the future. This achievement is particularly significant as it demonstrates our resilience and strategic planning in the current economic environment.

Westminster Communities of Florida continues to focus on enhancing the lives of residents through our Mission: “We serve from the heart and inspire older adults to enjoy happy, healthy and purposeful lives.” Our Life Plan Communities offer a fulfilling lifestyle that supports the well-being and independence of residents. We are grateful for the trust placed in us by residents and their families.

For more information about Westminster Communities of Florida and our services, please visit us at WestminsterCommunitiesFL.org.

Contact: Wes Meltzer, Director of Marketing and Communications, wmeltzer@wservices.org or 321-438-8751.

About Westminster Communities of Florida: Westminster Communities of Florida serves more than 7,000 residents in 23 active senior living communities around Florida who are in search of an enlightened, fully integrated, person-centered approach to health and wellness. Since 1954, we’ve been Florida’s best choice in active senior living.

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