Local muralist helps senior fulfill "Bucket List" wish

Judy Funaro, a local artist and resident of The Watermark at Vistawilla, has one simple wish on her “Bucket List” – to observe a professional artist create a piece specifically for her. That wish came true recently when Donna Smith – a local muralist – visited the community and created a serene beachscape with Judy by her side.

“Watching Donna create the piece of art and Judy watch by her side was a magical moment for our community,” said Kimberly Dike, director of Community Experience at The Watermark at Vistawilla. “It was quite emotional to see how happy this experience made Judy and to watch the two of them embrace when the painting was complete.”

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A lifelong artist, Judy has a fond appreciation of the arts and has spent years creating beautiful paper art and flowers. However, in recent years she hasn’t been able to create at the level she once did. This experience gave her the opportunity to learn new techniques and connect with a fellow artist.

The piece Donna created also has a deep personal meaning to Judy, who spent her summers on the beaches of Sarasota, Fla. as a child. They are memories she is fond of, and now she has a custom piece of art to remember them.

“We’re so grateful to Donna for making this wish come true,” said Dike. “These Bucket List experiences are deeply personal to our residents and having the community involved makes it even more special.

Smith is a celebrated local muralist whose work has been featured in the Parade of Homes, the Orlando Sentinel and the Orlando Museum of Art. She’s also taught art classes to seniors in Central Florida for the last 15 years. The community connected with her late last year and began brainstorming ways to make Judy’s wish come true.

The Watermark at Vistawilla launched its Bucket List program in 2025. The program helps residents like Judy achieve long-held dreams and experience new things, with wishes ranging from visiting the beach for the first time to riding a train and talking to the conductor.

About The Watermark at Vistawilla

Located in Winter Springs, Fla., The Watermark at Vistawilla is an 87-apartment assisted living and memory care community located at 1519 E State Rd 434. Differentiators of the new community include certified associates, continuous care and hands-on educational programming. Owned and managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Watermark at Vistawilla is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. For more information, visit vistawilla.watermarkcommunities.com.