Written by Kara Pierson Harper, Meals on Wheels Health & Wellness Program Coordinator
I first invited Catherine Davis to do an interview for the Senior Spotlight about a year ago, and she politely declined. Over the past year, however, she and I have built a relationship through our Health & Wellness programs, so I decided to ask her again. This time she agreed, later admitting, “I wanted to see how the other ones turned out, first!” HA!
Catherine was born near Richmond, Virginia, the second youngest of six children. Although she was one of the youngest siblings, she took an active role in helping her mother take care of heir home while she was at work.
Raised in a religious household, Catherine’s parents placed many restrictions on her, limiting opportunities to socialize or form friendships. Instead, she developed skills and hobbies that would stay with her throughout her life, such as learning to cook, preserve food, sew, and read. For 25 years, she poured her creativity into quilting, using her talent to make quilts that she generously donated to the VA, a reflection of her lifelong dedication to caring for others. She went on to spend much of her adult life working in healthcare in Virginia before moving to Ohio at the age of 52. It was there, in her current apartment complex, that she says she formed true friendships for the very first time.
While Catherine admits she’s not a fan of Ohio’s snowy winters, she treasures the community she has found here. Reflecting on her friendships in the apartment community, she shared, "We love each other! We do our sisterly things. It keeps me moving and it keeps me going. We don’t always get along, but I wouldn’t want to be without them. It’s a good feeling to have someone you can talk to. This is the closest I’ve ever been to a group of women, and I was surprised by it. There’s been so much change in the building, people coming and going, but I’m grateful that we are still here together. We lift each other’s spirits."
Now, the last surviving member of her birth family, Catherine also feels an even stronger commitment to her children, making sure they always feel loved and cared for. She brings that same commitment and care to our programs. Catherine is a consistent participant in our Health & Wellness programs, attending the weekly Mindful Morning sessions, monthly City Stops, Art with Abrakadoodle, and Lunch & Learn programs. She’s a member of both the Spanish Club and the Popcorn & Perspectives Cinema Club.
Just as she did growing up, Catherine takes an active leadership role in our group, by making sure her friends know what time to be ready to be picked up for events and that they make it to the bus on time.
Catherine’s presence is somehow strong and gentle at the same time. If I’ve ever been feeling stressed or overwhelmed, she always seems to sense it, lifting her eyes over the top of her glasses to give me a gentle look that reminds me to relax and trust that everything will be okay. No words need to be said.
We are so grateful to have Catherine as part of our Health & Wellness community! Her warmth, generosity, and quiet strength make everyone around her feel seen and safe.
Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY offers a wide range of health and wellness events and activities, both virtual and in-person, for older adults and seniors. They are designed to foster community, create connections and keep seniors engaged with their peers and their own wellbeing. View more about this program and check out upcoming engagement opportunities here!