Living with Purpose: How Marie Has Made a Difference in Her Community

At Maplewood, we are privileged to have residents whose lives have been marked by service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to their communities. Marie is one such individual. From her early days in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to her decades of service in Newtown, Connecticut, her story is one of passion and purpose. In this blog, we sit down with Marie to reflect on her journey and the legacy she continues to build.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your early life?

I grew up in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and spent my early years there until I married my husband, Dick. In 1971, Dick took over his family’s camera shop in Danbury, and that brought us to Newtown. It’s been home ever since.

Q: How did your husband come to run the family business, and what was your involvement?

Dick’s father and uncle started the business together, but when his uncle left, his father needed a successor. When his right-hand man was getting ready to retire, he asked Dick if he wanted to take over, and he did. While I didn’t work in the shop, I worked at their photo lab in Danbury, serving as the counter girl. Before that, I had an entirely different career – I was a court stenographer for over 50 years, often working night courts. I loved it; it was exciting and a fantastic learning experience.

Q: You played a major role in establishing Regional Hospice in the area – what inspired you to take on that mission?

One of my proudest contributions was helping to establish Regional Hospice. A friend and I spearheaded the efforts to bring hospice services to the area, and we organized the Hospice Breakfast for 31 years. I had several friends who worked for Regional Hospice, as well as loved ones who received their care. It’s a phenomenal organization that does so much for families in need.

Q: You’ve contributed so much to Newtown – can you share some of the other initiatives or projects you’ve been involved in?

Giving back has always been a huge part of my life. I’ve been a member of the Newtown Congregational Church since 1973 and serve as a Deacon. I’m also involved with the Congregational Care Community, where I help support those who are sick by sending cards and visiting them as needed. I’ve been a member of the Newtown Woman’s Club for 33 years, serving as both President and Secretary, and I’ve also been a part of the Newtown Business and Professional Women, where I was honored as Woman of the Year. Even today, I remain involved with Regional Hospice as well.

Q: What motivates you to give back and be so deeply involved in your community?

For me, volunteering has always been fun. I love being able to help people – it just comes naturally. Being involved in the community and making a difference in people’s lives bring me joy.

Q: What advice would you give younger generations who want to make a difference in their communities?

To anyone looking to make a difference, I say: Believe in yourself. That’s where it all starts.

Q: What brought you to Maplewood at Newtown?

My journey with Maplewood started long before I became a resident. Before it was Maplewood, I worked at the front desk as the concierge. Years later, I found myself back here—this time as a resident! It feels like coming full circle.

 Q: Are you involved in any programming at Maplewood at Newtown?

Yes, I like to stay involved here! I’ve helped organize some of the speakers and events for the community. I coordinated a visit from the Newtown Police Department, which was very well-received. I also arranged for local authors to come and speak, including Debra Sennefelder, and poet Nancy Crevier. It’s important to me to help bring interesting and engaging programs to my fellow residents.

Marie’s story is a testament to the power of dedication and kindness. Her commitment to making a difference, both in Newtown and beyond, continues to inspire those around her. At Maplewood, we are honored to have her as part of our community and look forward to seeing the impact she continues to make.