MaryAnn lived a happy life with her parents. Her father took her out every Saturday night, often to Atlantic City or a restaurant. She especially loved when he took her dancing, MaryAnn’s favorite activity.
In February 2020, MaryAnn’s life changed forever when her father passed away, and her mother was unfortunately no longer able to care for her. MaryAnn’s brother, Tony, knew exactly where she needed to live to receive around-the-clock care in a safe, supportive environment.
“When the occasion came, I only looked at Rose House because I knew of the great work that (Founder) Mark Kramer and (CEO) Tom Mitchell did there,” Tony explained. “I had seen the system they built and the care they provided to their residents. MaryAnn still misses her family a lot, but living at Rose House has greatly helped her cope with this major disruption in her life.”
Now retired from the Parsippany Police Department, Tony was the director of the Police Athletic League (PAL) when he first connected with the Rose House team. At the time, the PAL’s kitchen was used as a work program for the Rose House Café.
“She is a very loving person, especially toward her staff and housemates,” Tony said. “MaryAnn just wants everybody to be happy. She also loves being with family and looking at family photos.”
MaryAnn has a nurturing spirit and often wants to help her housemates who require additional care and support. Her caregivers describe her as cheerful, with a great sense of humor that brings positive energy to her forever home.
Aside from dancing, MaryAnn loves to sing, especially Whitney Houston songs, and spending time baking in the kitchen. Her favorite movies include Annie and the Rocky saga.
MaryAnn also enjoys getting her hair and nails done with her sister-in-law, Claudia, and spending time with her brother Robert, Claudia’s husband. They live in Washington Township, NJ, not far from her Budd Lake Group Home.
Although MaryAnn’s home is two hours away from Tony in Brick Township, NJ, he spends time with her at least every other weekend. She also has another brother, Frank, who lives in Toms River, NJ, and visits her.
With the love and support of her brothers, Rose House caregivers, and housemates, MaryAnn is equipped with the community she needs to face life’s challenges while continuing to thrive.