The Pinecone

 

A HEART OF GOLD

Imagine riding in a one-engine plane with your 70-year-old mother who had just received her license to fly! Such were the experiences of Lea Koonce who grew up as the only child of parents who seemed determined to live life to its fullest. Both parents were professionals as well as artists and collectors. Her mother was an accountant; her father, an electrical engineer, was also a musician, making many of his instruments. Lea’s childhood was unusual but her underlying belief of helping others came from a sound religious upbringing. She credits her maternal grandmother as the one who instilled the belief in “The Golden Rule”. “Put simply”, says Lea, “I enjoy helping someone if I can”. A close friend has said, “Lea would give you her last dollar if she thought you needed it”.

Lea Anna Koonce was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in July 1953. The family moved to Huntsville, Alabama when she was 5 ½ years old. Her father was employed with a company aligned with the space endeavors originating in Huntsville.

During her childhood, Lea developed a love for animals, especially horses. She had her own horse and enjoyed riding as well as water-skiing and boating. While in high school, Lea did volunteer work with the Police Department. Soon the Police Department organized a program to allow other high school youngsters to ride along with policemen on non-dangerous calls. Lea was instrumental in designing the uniform for the group.

Following graduation from high school in 1971, Lea first attended junior college and then transferred to the University of Alabama at Huntsville. As often happens, she met an attractive, young man in the Air Force. A beautiful wedding occurred and the couple traveled for the next 5 years. While in Washington State, Lea enrolled in cosmetology school and became a hairstylist.

However, as sometimes happens, the marriage dissolved in 1978 and Lea moved back with her parents until she could become stabilized. During this time she combined hairstyling with other employment. For several years she worked in electronic supply companies, becoming quite adept at making and repairing circuit boards, telephones, etc. She was part of the Quality Assurance Department when she retired.

By 2011, health problems compounded by mobility issues made it necessary for Lea to require a motorized chair for transportation. Her father passed away and it was only Lea and her mother taking care of each other. Then in 2014, Lea’s mother passed away. The extended family (of which there are many) decided that Lea should move to Kirby Pines so she would be closer to them and situated in a place capable of meeting her needs. Lea did not want to come to Kirby Pines. She laughs and says, “I came to Kirby Pines kicking and screaming all the way. Especially, after the first night here, I saw that 7 murders had occurred in Memphis and I wondered ‘what have I got myself into?’ I was ready to go back to Huntsville. I finally realized I was as safe here as anywhere. I love it here now, it is my home”.

Soon after moving to Kirby Pines, Lea realized that she did not need all the paintings and artwork acquired by her parents. She reserved the LCR and displayed all except the one piece she wanted to keep. She invited her extended family to come and select their choice. Although some were quite valuable, she wanted to make sure that they were given to those who would love and treasure them.

Lea’s beautiful crocheted, beaded and cross-stitched work became noticed. Lea had finally found her niche at Kirby Pines. She was invited to share her crochet work with the residents in Job’s Way. This progressed to making pillows, hats for the 4th of July, picture frames and Christmas tree decorations. Slippers were made to give out as Christmas presents to residents in health areas. She eventually extended her visits to The Manor to play games and cards with the residents there. Occasionally, she gets called to help with a project in Assisted Living. Somehow, Lea discovered that several residents were unable to access or read the menus on TV. Now, she handprints the menus and distributes them so that residents will know their weekly menu.

Because of her disabilities, Lea has made it her goal to be able to walk again. She would need a hip and possible knee replacement. To accomplish this, Lea has lost approximately 115 lbs in a little over a year. She has done this with sheer will power!

To sum up the story of Lea, these are her words: “I have been known to encourage a smile rather than a frown. I want to get the Sunshine Group back in action. Perhaps that is why some people jokingly call me ‘trouble’ when they see me coming. I think Roadrunner might fit.”

The hours Lea spends helping others is admirable. She is always doing a favor for someone and she especially sees a need to interact with our fellow residents in the health areas ~~a lesson we could all learn.

Someone has said, “You can’t judge a book by its cover”. Likewise, one must truly look at the heart of an individual to find the gold therein.

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

 

AN IRISH KID FROM SOUTH CHICAGO

Each year on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day is recognized as a day to remember those Americans who are of Irish descent. Irish ancestry has proven to be one of the strongest, most determined and resilient known. Because of these characteristics, Ireland survived the Great Potato Famine which lasted from 1845-1849. This famine, known as the greatest to ever occur in Europe, resulted in the death of 1/8th of the population of Ireland. Another 2-3 million immigrated to the United States where life was almost equally as difficult. Despite many odds, the Irish people survived many hardships both in Ireland and America.

Kirby Pines resident, Patrick (Pat) William Kelly could not be more representative of an Irish heritage. He not only has the name and looks of his ancestry but his life story would indicate he has those characteristics mentioned above. Surprisingly, however, Pat is also one-half German. Nevertheless, he has a good Irish story. His maternal grandparents immigrated from Germany due to the political climate; his paternal grandparents immigrated as a result of the potato famine. Both families settled in South Chicago where Pat’s parents met. Pat was born in the Chicago-Lying-In Hospital in January of 1943.

Pat’s father was a traveling steel salesman which resulted in frequent family moves. Pat believes that the experience of living in so many different cities and towns resulted in a very interesting childhood. He particularly remembers living in a small town with a population of only 300 people where “everyone knew everyone’s business”. Finally, the family moved to Memphis in 1956.

While attending Christian Brothers High School, Pat worked part-time at Goldsmiths Department Store. Following graduation, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska for 5 years and served as a Crypto Maintenance mechanic. He loved living in Alaska, but because of expensive living conditions, made the decision to move back to Memphis following discharge. He became employed by the Federal Electric Corp. and was sent to Vietnam as a civilian. After the war ended, Pat returned to Goldsmiths and became the Workroom Manager for draperies and upholstery. “Yes, I can operate a sewing machine and ‘spit tacks’ ”, states Pat. He parted ways with Goldsmiths when they wanted to transfer him to Atlanta. Instead, Pat became the owner of a fabric business, Fabric Junction (now Johnson’s Fabrics) in Bartlett. As the sole proprietor, the work was too difficult, so, he closed the shop and “moved to wood”. He managed the Cabinet and Counter Top Shop for Interstate Plywood for 17 years. Pat says, “I love being creative and have always enjoyed working with my hands”.

One of the most important aspects of Pat’s life revolves around the Boy Scouts of America. Soon after going to Alaska with the Air Force, he became acquainted with the Scoutmaster of the Air Force based Boy Scout Troop who invited him to go camping. Little did Pat realize it would involve “fifteen screaming kids”. Nevertheless, he was hooked. Pat has been actively registered with the BSA for 54 YEARS! During that time, he was Scoutmaster of Troop #341 sponsored by St. Louis Church for 16 years. He continues to be active as the Troop Committee Chairperson, a position he has held for the past 30 years. Pat really enjoys camping and goes at every opportunity, except when it is “too cold”.

In 2009, Pat’s mother, Myrtle, began having serious health problems. Pat, an only child, was his mother’s caregiver. Learning of Kirby Pines Lifecare Plan, Pat and his mother moved to Kirby Pines in 2013. Myrtle passed away in 2016. Pat was able to care for her and she remained in their apartment until the end. “Nevertheless, I was very pleased with the medical care here at Kirby and the feeling of safety”, says Pat.

Since Pat “quit work”, he has been very involved in volunteer work at Kirby. He served as Wing Leader for two years and is currently serving as a member of the very active Resident’s Food Committee. The Food Committee is comprised of residents as well as Administrative and Dietary Heads. One resident serves as Chairman and represents the Food Committee on the Advisory Committee. Their role is to exchange information provided by residents concerning the food service at Kirby Pines. Meetings are held once a month. Pat says, “There is no shortage of comments. While we do get some negative feedback, the majority of comments are positive”.

Pat has endeared himself to those who get to know him. His smiling face makes him very approachable. His sense of humor and ready wit are his hallmarks.

Pat believes he will leave a good legacy through his work and volunteer activities. To quote him: “Looking back it has been a great life for an Irish kid born in South Chicago”. He wishes an Irish Blessing and a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of you!

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines