Touching Lives Stories

A Face Mask Inspired by Lifelong Love

Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is common to hear or read about the sickness, heartbreak and loss.  However, here at Heritage Woods of Mt. Vernon, we believe there are hundreds of untold stories of hope and inspiration out there too. We are excited to share a very special story about one of our residents.

Norma Pierce is a 90-year-old widow and has lived at Heritage Woods of Mt. Vernon since 2018. Her story of inspiration is found in something as little as a homemade face mask. With the increasing need for face masks right now, Norma decided to make one of her own after watching a video tutorial. She made it from an old handkerchief belonging to her late husband, Stanley.  Norma and Stanley never had children but were happily married for 32 years. At the age of 57 however, Stanley passed away – almost 45 years ago now.  She never remarried.

“I wanted to use his old handkerchief because it makes me feel like he’s still here protecting me and keeping me safe,” stated Norma.

As Norma spoke about Stanley, she proudly put on her face mask and then pulled out a picture of him in his younger days. A sweet smile spread across her face, and her eyes twinkled – apparent to us that their love story was one that transcends time.

Norma misses Stanley every day but truly enjoys her life here at Heritage Woods with the friends she’s made.