My Nazareth experience

A family offers gratitude for loving care and kindness.

Kathy Pagano, on behalf of the Bookstaver family, wrote this touching note to Nazareth's Director of Mission and Pastoral Care after the passing of her mother, Kathryn.

"Words cannot express our gratitude to you and everyone at Nazareth for all you did for us. Having the visitation and funeral mass at Nazareth was wonderful. I know Mom was smiling knowing all her friends could be a part of everything.

Thank you and the staff at Nazareth for being so accommodating. We could not have asked for a more beautiful setting to say good-bye to Mom. I know you had to spend longer hours at work to make it all happen. We truly appreciate the sacrifices made by all the folks at Nazareth.

Please pass on our thanks to everyone. Nazareth is a very special place filled with loving and caring people.

May God bless you all for the kindness you have shown us."

Caregiver Bob Wittmann tells his story and feelings about his experience at Nazareth:

"I heard about Nazareth Living Center when I first started looking for a skilled nursing facility for my wife, Margaret Mary, who suffered with Parkinson Disease for many years. While touring the facility, I was struck by the warmth of the staff and the welcoming atmosphere. At the time I toured Nazareth, I was told that there was a two-year waiting list for a Medicaid bed. Disappointed at the prospect of waiting that long, I put Margaret Mary on the waiting list and continued my search for another facility because of our immediate need.

I found that the charges were basically the same when I went to other homes, but the atmosphere and level of care were certainly different. I placed Margaret Mary in a number of facilities which did not deliver the care or compassion that she needed - so I brought her back home to care for her myself. I had all but forgotten about placing her anywhere because of our bad experiences. One day, when I prayed for help, I received a call from the Director of Admissions at Nazareth Living Center asking if I was still interested in them caring for Margaret Mary. I felt truly blessed to have been able to find such a home-like atmosphere at Nazareth. Sadly, Margaret Mary passed away six weeks after joining the "Nazareth family." The compassion, care and respect my wife received were extraordinary. There is just no comparison between Nazareth and the other facilities we experienced.

While Margaret Mary was at Nazareth, I was invited to pray the rosary with the sisters and other residents. I still visit Nazareth twice a week, pray the rosary with the same group and try to give back to other residents the comfort and compassion that meant so much to my wife and me. When I'm at Nazareth, I really feel at home. I often ask myself, ‘How did I find this place'? I really think the answer is --- by the grace of God!"

Bob Wittman, St. Charles, Missouri

A family member took the time to send a thank you after their loved one passed away:

"On behalf of the Donovan Family and me I want to express our deepest gratitude to the staff and volunteers of Nazareth Living Center for the love, care and friendship they gave to Agnes (Aggie Donovan) during the four plus years she called McGovern Commons home. I know many individuals went over and above their daily duties to look out for Aggie and to extend their extra gestures of kindness. Aggie's life at Nazareth Living Center was pleasant because of each and every one of you.

Our family was comforted knowing Aggie was in your care. We knew you were providing a safe and secure environment for her. It was obvious Aggie was in the best place she could be at Nazareth.

You are to be complimented for the friendly atmosphere at Nazareth Living Center. Everyone is so personable. You recognize each resident and acknowledge them by name. The residents light up when you share a smile, say hello when passing them in the hall and take the time to listen to them.

Thank you for offering the gift of daily Mass, other religious services and Pastoral Care. Agnes knew she was fortunate to live in a community active in their service and praise to God.

Thank you for being Aggie Donovan's second family."

Judy Keller, Aggie Donovan's niece
Saint Louis, Missouri