Sisters enjoy life to the fullest at Arbor Rose
Margaret Plocharczyk & Betty Hebert
Sisters Reunite and Thrive at Arbor Rose
Sisters Betty Hebert and Margaret Plocharczyk held hands as they sat side-by-side on Margaret’s couch in her Arbor Rose apartment. Even after 93-plus years together, they still find plenty to talk about though they are just as happy enjoying each other’s company in silence.
As the sun streamed through the window on a recent afternoon, they chatted about their artistic interests. Betty showed a visitor one of her autumn landscape paintings while Margaret cradled a favorite doll that she had created from liquid porcelain.
In addition to their family lives and successful careers, they both enjoyed activities at the New Britain Senior Center. One or the other got involved in classes and just about every artistic pursuit – crafting, painting, needlework, making greeting cards, knitting and more.
Doll making really “spoke” to Margaret, who at age 96 is the older sister. From a large family, “I never had a doll,” she recalled. Betty, who was often sick, had dolls. Maybe that is why when Margaret discovered doll making at the senior center, she couldn’t be stopped. She made 20 of them, all different sizes, types and costumes, meticulously painting the details. At Arbor Rose, 18 of them are on display. Her favorite may be the one wearing a dress crafted from Margaret’s own bridal dress that she wore on her wedding day in 1948.
Both sisters liked to paint as well. Margaret has a photo album that showcases her many artistic creations. During the 2019 Assisted Living Week, their paintings and dolls were much admired when they were displayed at the residents’ art and collections show.
New Britain natives, the two women have been residents there for several years – Betty came first in 2015 and Margaret moved in in 2018. Their apartments are just down the hall from the other in the independent and assisted living community located at 975 Corbin Ave.
Even though they already knew some of the residents, it took several months for it to feel like home, Margaret said. However, they both knew they made the right choice. In addition to seeing each other or chatting daily, they occasionally attend the same events and see each other when dining. “They take good care of us here. If we need help, they are there. We feel safe,” Betty said.
Arbor Rose, which is affiliated with Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, offers independent and assisted living with memory care on the campus of Jerome Home, located at 975 Corbin Ave. in New Britain.