Meet Phyllis Marciano
This Month's Spotlighted Independent Living Resident
Phyllis Marciano has always let laughter lead the way in life. “I met my husband, Joe, when we were both in 3rd grade,” said Phyllis. “I didn’t want to rush things, so I waited until we were in 7 th grade to fall in love with him. We were happily married for over 60 years, and we were always laughing together. We would spend three months in Florida every year and would take dance lessons for fun. We could Chacha pretty well, but we couldn’t talk while we were dancing because we were too busy counting. That always got a big laugh from our friends.”
Phyllis and Joe raised their two sons in Middlebury, Connecticut, where they lived for 30 years. “Besides raising my children, I also had a lifetime career as a registered nurse,” said Phyllis. “I love talking to people, so working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury was a great fit for me. They say laughter is the best medicine, so I would try to get my patients to laugh a little while caring for them. If you’re busy laughing, then you can’t put any energy into complaining. A positive mindset sets the stage for a healthy body.”
Upon retiring, Phyllis and her husband moved to Heritage Village. After her husband passed and several of her Heritage Village friends had moved to Pomperaug Woods, Phyllis chose to move there as well. “I moved here in 2014 when I was 85 years old,” said Phyllis. “My friends and I had a ball together — playing cards, eating dinner in the dining room, going on day trips. I missed my nursing days a little, so for years I volunteered in the health center here. I would take the time to chat with each resident as I hand-delivered their mail every day. I loved it, and I hope I was able to spread a little joy.”
These days, Phyllis still plays cards twice a week, goes to all the music entertainment that fills the Activities Calendar each month, and is a huge fan of the monthly “Reel Royalty” get-together, where residents screen a classic movie gem. “I am also very involved in the Sacred Heart Eucharist service we have here each week,” said Phyllis. “And of course I love to have a glass of wine or a Bailey’s Irish Cream at the weekly Happy Hour. They always have great music at our Happy Hours.”
Phyllis has very simple advice for those moving to a senior living community. “You have to create your own happiness,” said Phyllis. “My husband and I bought two homes in Rhode Island many years ago, and we rehabbed them from the bottom up. I loved it! It was a chance to make something beautiful out of nothing. The same is true when you move to a senior living community. You have to create something out of your life. So do what I do — bring a tiny bottle of wine to dinner in the dining room every night, chat with the people you’re sitting with, and have a laugh or two. You might just surprise yourself. I’m 96 years old, and I still find life surprising every day.”
We love to hear your laughter ringing through the halls of Pomperaug Woods, Phyllis!
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