[Northampton County, PA] —This Valentine’s week was special for residents and visitors at Gracedale Nursing Home. On Wednesday, a love-themed luncheon was held for resident couples, their spouses, and partners, where the Gracedale Life Enrichment team captured photos. The menu included a choice between creamy parmesean chicken picatta and pan-seared Atlantic salmon, with triple chocolate cheesecake for dessert.
Dorothy Silfies and her husband Ray Silfies were one of the couples in attendance. Dorothy and Ray met when they were just 9 or 10 years old and grew up in Bath just blocks away from each other. They were friends in school and started dating when they were 16.
“We went to prom together and graduated together,” said Ray Silfies. The couple was married on October 17, 1964, and bought a home in Nazareth where they raised three children. With Ray working long hours to make ends meet, he wasn’t home often, and says, “I give her all the credit for raising them.” Dorothy worked first as a secretary, and later as a daycare provider, which she says was the joy of her life.
The decision to have Dorothy move to Gracedale was a difficult one for Ray. He is usually at Gracedale visiting her for 4 to 5 hours each day. Events like the luncheon help the couple reconnect and enjoy those special moments, such as Valentine’s Day.
“You’d have to go to a restaurant to get food like that,” Ray said. “The plating on the meal and the dessert was 5-star.”
