In appreciation: Irma Bush

We would like to thank the staff at Geer Village for the excellent care, support and many kindnesses afforded my mother, Irma Bush, over the past “almost” nine years. Irma died in the comfort of her lovely apartment there on March 15 just weeks short of her 104th birthday.It might be an exaggeration to say that my independent 95-year-old mother moved to Geer Village kicking and screaming, but it is very close to the truth. She would state firmly to anyone she met, “This was NOT my idea.” It was that difficult for her to leave her rural Avon home when she could no longer drive.After only one month, however, Irma announced happily, “I have a new life.” She had renewed purpose and was enjoying meeting new friends. She came to enjoy participating in chapel services, singing with the Geer Chorus, and attending many and varied programs coordinated by recreation, especially the music programs. She had the most fun having dinner with close friends. Reports of laughter and hilarity at her table, especially recently, are well known.Her conversations were peppered with all the news and comings and goings of Geer staff. The kitchen and dining room staff were among the people she counted as friends. She loved her housekeeper who teased her, her aides and nurses who were affectionate and caring, and the friendly and cheerful concierge staff. She could count on the maintenance staff to take care of things; there was simply “no need” for me to do it. She had the most respect for the administrative staff who had been her friends from the day she moved in.In recent weeks Irma spoke often of being happy to have had such a nice home and to have lived so long. “I’m grateful,” she said. I believe the spirit and caring of the Geer community had much to do with that. Thank you to all of you at Geer Village for the difference you made in my mother’s life. Corey and Sharon BushEast Canaan

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