This marks the third year we are honored to share our holidayKnow Who Needs You postcard sent weekly in December so you can better know the amazing people who live at St. Luke’s.
Thanks to all of you for not looking away. Your support and generosity provide our Elders the dignity, safety, community and care all of them deserve.
Meet Edna:
For 24-years, St. Luke’s has been home to Edna, who holds the record for living in our community longer than anyone there today. A native of Buffalo, NY, she speaks fondly of cars with rumble seats (great for dates!), penny candy at the movies, and playing center on her school basketball team because she was tallest.
Her first job was in a pretzel factory where strands of dough traveled down a long conveyor belt and each pretzel had to be formed by hand. “On slow days,” she giggled, “when the bosses weren’t looking, we would twist that dough to spell our names and then see who could make it home on the bus without it breaking.”
She moved to Tucson in 1958 with her then-husband and eventually managed the Appeals Department at Tucson City Court. She lived for a few years with her son’s family in Tucson before coming to St. Luke’s. “They wanted me to live with them,” she said, “I dearly love them but I wanted to be more independent as long as I could.”
Edna has continued to live large at St. Luke’s. She has put in many hours as a volunteer: watering plants, staffing the front desk and serving on the Elder Council. She also has been guardian for 13 years of several of St. Luke’s feral cats. Offering daily food, gentle words and an open lap, the cats deeply appreciate all Edna does!
Writing is also a passion. Edna has several folders with hand-written memories of growing up in Buffalo, especially of her mother and older sister who died in her late 20’s. “I love remembering the dimple in my mother’s right cheek that mysteriously appeared when she smiled, and my sister’s kind heart and love of reading,” she shared.
At 90, Edna’s heart is wide-open, her twinkle and humor are intact and her appreciation of the natural beauty of the St. Luke’s courtyard, where she spends some time each day, remains strong. A beautiful soul and spirit, she is a comforting presence in the St. Luke’s community.
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Thank you for your support of Edna and all the Elders at St. Luke’s, a 501 (c)(3) organization. Click here to help Edna and others at stlukeshometucson.org. And remember: For 2018, a married couple can donate up to $800 and an individual can donate up to $400 and receive the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. Contact your tax advisor on how to file.
