Norma Taylor grew up in New York near Niagara Falls. When her sister’s husband needed back surgery in 1970, Norma came to Michigan to help with their young children. It was only supposed to be for a few months, but I never left,” says Norma. 

The middle child of six siblings, Norma never married. Instead she made a career of taking care of others and worked at Blodgett Hospital for 42 years, first as a nurse assistant, then unit secretary and, eventually, worked in medical records.

Norma learned about Harvest Way when Jane Ringler of Senior Neighbors came to talk to a support group that Norma was involved with. When Norma sold her house, she only had one day to move out. She contacted Phil Hirschy, Harvest Way Community Manager, and there was an apartment available. Norma remembers, “It was right during Covid. I moved in on July 21, 2021 at 7:30 at night in 90 degree weather.”

Norma used to live alone and her only outside world was going to church. “As soon as I moved in, they made me feel welcome. Living at Harvest Way has made me more social,” says Norma, who is now involved with decorating the Harvest Way holiday tree each month and on the decorating committee for the monthly Senior Neighbors parties. “Before I felt like I was in a cocoon. I should have moved here a long time ago, as soon as I retired.  Now I have companionship.”