Joseph and Patricia Geary, longtime Stonington residents, were honored as “Parents of the Year” at the Oak Hill 120th Anniversary and Inspirations Gala at the River View Country Club in Simsbury on October 18, 2014.
The Gearys were honored alongside Oak Hill’s President Patrick J. Johnson Jr., who announced his retirement, and retired UConn Basketball Coach, Jim Calhoun, among others.
The event coordinators honored the Gearys for their dedication and commitment to their daughter Eileen and her roommates, residents of the Oak Hill community.
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Said Still Fowler, Oak Hill Manager, in giving the award:
“The Gearys visit their daughter Eileen’s group home almost daily and always take the time to talk and interact with all the individuals in the home. Mrs. Geary often dances and does projects with the residents and Mr. Geary sits quietly and has nice chats with everyone in the home.
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Eileen and her 5 roommates and staff are invited to the annual family party at the Stonington family beach house, where they dine, dance and take many fun photos. Photos that now don the walls of the group home. Christmas day is always special as the Gearys and their children and grandchildren bring food and gifts to all of Eileen’s roommates and staff and enjoy a day of eating and singing Christmas Carols together.
One resident, Lincoln, calls Mrs. Geary 'Evelyn', after his mother, because he feels that close to her. When one of Eileen’s housemates was admitted to a nursing home, the Geary’s went and visited with her as often as they could.
Several years ago, when Eileen moved to the group home, the Gearys bought a cottage on Lake Williams, right down the road, so they could be close enough to visit every day in the spring, summer and fall.
They do all of this not out of obligation or commitment, but out of the joy it brings to them. When they visit the home, big smiles come over all the individuals in house. They are truly wonderful individuals and we don’t know of anyone more deserving of this very special award.”
