Assisted Living Locators of North Pittsburgh Honors McCandless Caregiver During Alzheimer's Awareness Month

MCCANDLESS, Pa.— Assisted Living Locators of North Pittsburgh honored McCandless resident Marsha Zarra with the Loved01 Cares "Live Like a Legend" Caregiver Recognition Award during Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, recognizing her lifelong commitment to caring for others and her extraordinary resilience in the face of personal loss.

Jennifer Thayer, RN, owner of Assisted Living Locators of North Pittsburgh, presented the award to Zarra at Ridgecrest McCandless, where she is affectionately known as the facility's "cruise ship director" because of her ability to keep residents, families and staff informed, connected and supported.

"Marsha represents the very best of what it means to care for others," Thayer said. "Her kindness, compassion and positive spirit make a lasting impact on everyone she meets. Even while navigating unimaginable personal loss, she continues to show up every day with warmth, grace and a genuine desire to help others."

A retired registered nurse, Zarra has dedicated much of her life to serving others as a caregiver, wife, mother and grandmother. Most recently, she endured the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Nicole, to cancer. Despite her grief, she continues to provide encouragement, comfort and support to those around her.

"Marsha truly embodies the spirit of 'Live Like a Legend,'" Thayer said. "Her resilience reminds us that caregivers often continue caring for others even while carrying their own hardships. It was an honor to recognize someone who gives so much of herself every day."

The Loved01 Cares initiative recognizes exceptional caregivers during Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month and celebrates the compassion, dedication and selflessness they demonstrate while supporting older adults and their families.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, while dedicated professionals and senior living team members play a vital role in helping families navigate the challenges of aging and memory loss.

For more information about Assisted Living Locators of North Pittsburgh, visit https://north-pittsburgh.assistedlivinglocators.com/ or call (724) 972-3202.

About Assisted Living Locators of North Pittsburgh

Assisted Living Locators of North Pittsburgh is a no-cost senior placement and care advisory service that helps families evaluate assisted living, memory care and other senior housing options. Owner Jennifer Thayer provides personalized guidance to help families make informed decisions with confidence.