Friendships start during the best and sometimes the worst of times. Mary first met Catherine during one of Catherine’s worst of times. Catherine had just experienced a life-altering stroke. Her sister Priscilla lived in an assisted living complex in Hastings and wanted to visit Catherine in the hospital in Rochester, but she could not drive. Mary, a friend who lived in the same complex as Priscilla, offered to drive her to visit Catherine. Mary came with Priscilla to visit as often as they could, and that is how Catherine and Mary got to know each other. As Catherine’s health improved, they visited her at her home in Lake City. Catherine lived at Great River Homes, which is an agency that provides support to individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. When Catherine’s sister moved to Florida, Mary became Catherine’s volunteer, and soon they became fast friends. Volunteers are a connection to the world outside of service providers and play a very important part in the lives of individuals served by Great River Homes.
Mary invited Catherine to spend weekends with her at her apartment in Hastings. It was during those visits that Catherine and Mary realized how much they had in common. Both loved to shop for clothing and jewelry. Mary introduced Catherine to all her friends at the complex, and they attended daily gatherings for coffee and chats. Mary purchased matching outfits with Catherine, and they would wear them to coffee together. Just like sisters! Catherine was such a friendly person, and everyone enjoyed getting to know her. Mary introduced Catherine to all her family, often enjoying a meal together. Catherine introduced Mary to her family. She was especially close to her nephew Preston, his wife Deb, and their family. Mary describes Catherine as a “girly girl”. They often had a spa day together, painting fingernails and toenails and doing hair and makeup. Once a year, the complex holds a craft fair. Mary had a table with some crafts, and Catherine would sit with her and say hello to everyone who passed by. They went to movies, went out to eat together, attended church, and enjoyed music. A couple of times a year, Mary and Catherine joined others taking a bus ride up to Burnsville Mall for some shopping and lunch together.
When Catherine stayed at Mary’s, she enjoyed spending time with Molly, Mary’s beloved pet dog. Catherine loved animals, and Molly would often jump from Catherine’s bed to Mary’s bed and back again on nights Catherine stayed over. Mary says that Catherine was like a sister to her. Catherine felt the same.
As with all things, change is a part of life. Covid was hard for the two, as visits were not advised and phone conversations became the main way to keep in touch with each other, and then Catherine began to experience more health issues. Catherine passed away at her home in January 2026. Mary held a memorial celebration with Catherine’s friends at the complex where they live. Photos and memories of Catherine were shared by all. A formal service was held at the end of January with all family and friends, and Mary, along with her grandson and his wife.
Mary will always remember with fondness the time she spent with Catherine. Mary states, “I feel like our friendship was a gift from God; it was beautiful and fulfilling. A friendship few people experience in life.”
Sandy Swan
Great River Homes, Inc.
