Harry and Annie Thomassen

  
                       (Annie and Margaret 1993)
Margaret is Annie's Grandmother and the reason WELCOME HOME was started.   When Nanny's husband (Pop) passed away, Nanny 77 at the time, had macular degeneration and 90% hearing loss in both ears, a heart condition and used a walker.  The next step for Nanny was a nursing home. 

Nanny having been an orphan as a child had a great fear of being institutionalized. Harry and Annie opened up their home to Nanny.  She lived with them for 14 years and helped them raise their two daughters and realize their passion and gift for caring for infirmed elderly. Nanny went on to eternity at the age of 92.

We have had the opportunity to live with and care for very special people over the years.

All of our residents have shared their life's experiences and wisdom with us, making our lives more abundant.  We have received back ten fold what little we have been able to give to the people that have graced our home.

Danny was an Engineer with General Electric. When Annie went back to college it was Danny who daily encouraged Annie that she could do it, and she did, with honors! 

Ruthe was a speech pathologist with Kessler Institute.  She taught us perseverance when we heard the story of how she in her 40's worked diligently to obtain her Master's degree while caring for a sick daughter.  Many times she had to take her little granddaughter to college with her.

Aletha, a Great-Great Grandmother born and raised in the Mid- West, after she passed away, many people called us to tell us of how as a young mother she had selflessly served the community doing what ever was needed when there was a crisis, from a stillborn baby to caring for many months for a family of four children when their mother was recovering from a kitchen fire. 

I remember when our Jelica was in a play at the community theatre that took place in the early 1900's.  I had no idea how to dress her for her part.  Aletha helped us and Jelica had the most authentic costume! 

Then there was Sidney, an illustrator for "The New Yorker" magazine had multiple strokes and toward the end of his time here on earth couldn't talk at all.  However, one night while helping Sydney to bed Annie, as is customary at Welcome Home, prayed with Sidney and before shutting out the light said, "I love you."  he answered slowly, "I... LOVE...... YOU!"  That night was the last time he ever spoke.

Memories and people like these make WELCOME HOME the special place that it is.