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Villa Maria Senior Citizen Community, a place to call home
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February 27, 2015
Residents Mary Zarate (left) and Geri Naylor take a few moments to pray a rosary in the community’s meditation garden.
Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
Margaret Horseman cannot imagine living somewhere other than Villa Maria Senior Citizen Community. “There’s no place like Villa Maria. The staff is amazing and my fellow residents are a joy to be around. Being here is a blessing,” she said.
A resident since 1993, Horseman had lived here with her husband, Deacon Malvin “Pete” Horseman, Jr., until he passed away in January 2013. Deacon Horseman had served at Most Precious Blood and Our Lady Star of the Sea, where he retired from active ministry.
“The staff here are amazing,” she marveled. “They keep us motivated and find fun things for us to do all of the time. It’s a remarkable place to live.”
Patsy Cantu, executive director at Villa Maria, said the facility’s 48 apartments are consistently filled, and noted they currently have a waiting list of 180 names. Villa Maria accepts residents 55-years of age and older. The oldest current resident is 94-years-old.
Patsy Cantu displays the popcorn machine, which was given to them by an anonymous donor.
Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
Villa Maria is located on Saratoga Boulevard, next to Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School.
“We strive to make living here at Villa Maria a fun and enjoyable experience by hosting activities and social events that keep the residents engaged,” she said.
Some of those activities include bingo, movie night and special potluck dinners centered on major holidays. Cantu said she makes a special effort to invite local entertainers to perform for the residents, like a barbershop quartet or guitar players.
“We’re always looking for those willing to volunteer their talents and entertain our residents, or even someone willing to come spend time with them playing games,” Cantu said.
Villa Maria was founded in 1984 by the Diocese of Corpus Christi and fosters the spiritual life of the elderly by planning and providing programs that nurture love for Christ. It serves the needs of senior citizens by providing a dignified residential facility with a Catholic environment.
Mass is held at Villa Maria’s chapel three times during the week and once on Sunday. There is a meditation garden with a Marian shrine outside and Stations of the Cross indoors.
Geri Naylor, 9-year resident at Villa Maria Senior Citizen Community, enjoys playing her favorite religious songs on the piano.
Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
The Community Building features a large lounge area with a fireplace and TV, a dining area and kitchen for special events.
“We couldn’t do as many activities as we do without the help of great friends and family, including children of the residents, who all volunteer their time,” Cantu said. “But more volunteers from the community are always welcomed and needed.”
Cantu added donations for special events are also needed.
“Our residents love their bingo,” she said, with a chuckle. “We can always use door prizes for residents, which are given away during bingo. Some great prizes include regular household and personal care items.”
Since Villa Maria is a non-profit, it relies on nominal rental fees only to help sustain the facility.
“We look for the occasional grant, as well as monetary donations to help with the day-to-day operations of our facility, which not only includes maintenance, but also a staff of five,” Cantu said.
Sometimes Villa Maria receives anonymous donations, which benefit all residents, like the popcorn machine that is used for movie nights.
“Since we are a non-profit, we appreciate anything and everything: volunteers, monetary or in-kind donations and even personal visits from local entertainers. It all helps us provide excellent care to our residents year-round,” she said.
Margaret Horseman added living at Villa Maria is like living with family.
“If you are sick, people are always checking on you or they will bring you something to eat. It’s wonderful. Patsy and her staff put in a lot of hours making sure we have a fun, safe and enjoyable place to live. I’m blessed to call Villa Maria home,” she said.