Classmates Reconnect at Saint Elizabeth Manor 68 Years after Graduation

It was Saint Elizabeth Manor’s excellent reputation that brought Betty Peterson to the Bristol facility for short term rehab following surgery. Never would she have imagined that it would also be the place where she would reconnect with an East Providence High School classmate 68 years after graduation! 

While recuperating at the Manor, Betty chose to enjoy her meals in the main dining room and found herself seated next to Dottie Lusignan, a long term resident. “We bonded immediately” said Betty, “Dottie is a delightful person.” The two women chatted comfortably, never recognizing one another until they discovered that they had both graduated from East Providence High School in 1944. It was a “big, big class,” Betty recalled, “but the moment Dottie shared her maiden name “Duffy” I exclaimed, I know you!!!” As it turns out, the tablemates were honor students and in many of the same classes. Dottie keeps a copy of East Providence High’s yearbook “The Crimson” in her room and the pleasure of reminiscing about their teen years, mutual friends and times long past has been an unexpected gift for the women.

 Betty returned home after her successful rehab stay and says the Manor will be her first choice if rehab should be needed in the future. She recently returned to visit with her newfound friend Dottie.

Saint Elizabeth Manor is a member of Saint Elizabeth Community, a not for profit charitable organization that offers a full spectrum of care and services for older adults in Rhode Island, ensuring they receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

To learn more about services offered at Saint Elizabeth Manor call 401-253-2300,  or visit www.stelizabethcommunity.com or www.facebook.com/SaintElizabethCommunity.