The Legacy of Blakehurst: Generations of Families Have Called it Home

Blakehurst is more than a senior living community — it’s a thriving hub of relationships, legacies, and community spirit that spans generations. Several families have made Blakehurst a tradition, with adult children following in their parents’ footsteps and becoming residents. In addition, many Blakehurst employees have been part of the team for decades — and some since it opened 31 years ago— and have built meaningful connections with multiple generations of families, as well as their own colleagues. These lasting bonds between staff and residents have created a unique atmosphere where personal connections and shared histories thrive, making Blakehurst a place where both employees and residents feel truly at home.

Passing the Torch

Bill Schmick’s parents were among Blakehurst’s first residents, and now, decades later, Schmick, his wife, and his sister are all residents, continuing the family tradition.

“I remembered how incredible the staff is and how accommodating they were when my father moved into the Care Center,” he says. “My mother would come down from her apartment in independent living and have lunch and dinner with him. She could spend all day down there if she wanted. And that made a big difference for both of them in their final years.”

Neither Schmick nor his sister strongly considered any other community for themselves. “We had such an excellent experience with our parents and already knew so many of the people here. When I first moved in, several associates introduced themselves to me and told me they knew and remembered my parents,” he explains. “It was very comforting.”

Even though he’s settled in, Schmick still continues to be surprised and impressed by Blakehurst. “I’m a big reader, and I was interested in a new book by Percival Everett, a takeoff of “Huckleberry Finn” called ‘James,’” he says. “I thought, I’m going to have to buy this. There’s no way the library is going to have it. I did buy it for my Kindle, and the next day, I go the library, and they had it! I shouldn’t really be surprised. They take care of the introverts and the more social people, like my wife, alike!”

Growing with the Community

Blakehurst is also a welcoming second home for its longtime employees. Associate Accounting Director Dawn Warns has held various roles there, witnessing the community’s evolution while nurturing deep relationships with residents and their families.

“When I began, I wasn’t sure what type of career I wanted,” she explains. “I was young and exploring my options and I just needed a job. My aunt was in the marketing office, and she told me about the position. I got to interact, even as Blakehurst was being built, with some of the incoming residents visiting the sales office. I quickly learned that I really liked this industry. Once they opened, I became the full-time daytime receptionist and ended up staying here long after my aunt left. It’s very rewarding to work here and have the opportunity to meet all these wonderful people. When I was much younger, I used to say it was like having 300 grandparents.”

Mothers and Daughters

Blakehurst’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Elizabeth O’Connor, wanted her mother to move into Blakehurst but insisted that she thoroughly research many other communities before making the choice.

“Of course, I already knew a lot about the community from Elizabeth, but she encouraged my husband and me to examine all our options,” laughs Agnes O’Connor Riina. “She was afraid that her stepfather would be thinking that we were in cahoots if I chose Blakehurst right away. John and I got it down to two choices and one day, we came back from church, and we sat down, independent of one another, and did the yeas and nays. We both came up with the bottom line, Blakehurst. And I am so grateful that we did that. We made the right decision.”

O’Connor Riina and her husband were drawn to Blakehurst’s superior healthcare services and welcoming atmosphere. Having been a resident for almost 14 years, she most appreciates the vibrant social life and sense of belonging she’s found. “We were out-of-towners, but we were quickly assimilated and people were very welcoming, which is very nice when you’re up in years to meet new people. I’ve never once missed my home.”

Marguerite Hopkins moved to Blakehurst after her husband’s passing, in part because of the community’s wonderful reputation and in part because her daughter, Debra Bartgis, is the Life Enrichment Director.

Though she was a bit reticent when she first arrived, Hopkins soon acclimated, joining committees and building a fulfilling social life.

“Mom’s certainly gotten much more involved,” Bartgis explains. “She heads a puzzle committee and was on the hospitality committee for a while. Now, she runs a trips committee, and she works in the store several days a week. There’s lots of opportunities for enrichment here. We are very much a resident-driven community. We have over 40 committees and activity groups. The residents say, ‘This is what we’d like to do; help us make it happen.’ And so we’re always adding new things, changing things, looking at schedules, and working with the residents. I think it’s nice to have an ever-evolving program based on what they want to do.”

“I’m so happy here,” Hopkins says, underscoring how involvement in activities helped her find her place.

Sharing the Legacy

From its beautifully maintained property to the unwavering hospitality of its staff, Blakehurst offers more than a place to live — it provides a place to thrive. As both residents and staff attest, Blakehurst is a community where legacy, care, and connection converge, making it a truly remarkable place to call home.

To learn more about Blakehurst, please visit https://blakehurstlcs.com.