In 2018, Harry, Claire's husband of 60 years passed away. Harlene, who had been delivering meals to Claire and Harry since 2014 became a constant source of comfort in Claire's life. From extra visits to grocery shopping and inviting Claire over to dinner, Harlene has been by her side. Harlene even gifted Claire a teddy bear made by her, lovingly dubbed as "Harry Bear" who she tucks in to bed every morning. Although Claire has since developed memory loss, she always remembered to tuck Harry Bear in and continued to share her afternoons with Harlene.
For many of our elderly neighbors, love and loss go hand in hand.
Among seniors aged 75 or older who have ever married, 58% of women and 28% of men have been widowed.1 But prevalence doesn’t make losing a spouse any easier. Claire discovered this firsthand.
In 2018, Claire said goodbye to Harry, her husband of more than 60 years. In the wake of his death, her heart broke. Since she was homebound, it was difficult to connect with friends and nearly impossible to spend time with her son, who lived hundreds of miles away.
Fortunately, Meals on Wheels volunteer Harlene Roan was there to help Claire mourn.
Harlene first began delivering meals to Claire and Harry in 2014. She immediately connected with the couple and would always take the extra time to chat. The three became fast friends, and Claire and Harry looked forward to seeing Harlene each week.
When Harry passed, Harlene remained the one constant in Claire’s life. In addition to delivering warm, nutritious meals, Harlene planned extra visits so they could talk. Harlene also began grocery shopping for Claire and inviting her over for dinner, deepening their bond during this difficult time.
Understanding how difficult it can be to lose a loved one, Harlene even made Claire a special stuffed animal to remind her of Harry. Claire named the plushie her “Harry Bear” and tucked him under the covers every morning.
“This [is] a gift I can give,” Harlene said of the bear. Since retiring, the seamstress has made more than 400 of these keepsake teddies for those in mourning. “[It] fills my heart.”
Years after her husband’s passing, Claire developed memory loss and required a live-in caregiver. But she still remembered to tuck in her Harry Bear. She also remembered her friend Harlene, with whom she continued to share long afternoons full of laughter.
“I adore her,” Harlene said of her friend. “I keep a framed photo of the two of us…in my sewing room. Claire is like family.”
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