Margery Rose, 94, of Troy, Ohio, reflects that she has always felt inclined to help others. She served as a First Lieutenant in the Nurse Corps in World War II from 1943-1945. Margery was stationed in England “right on the front line” and kept busy for those two years with injured soldiers. After her time in the service, she worked in hospitals around the country until her husband of thirty years became terminally ill. Even while caring for him full time, she managed to volunteer in local hospitals when needed and began rescuing animals.
Margery believes that her rescued animals helped her remain optimistic through her multiple battles with breast cancer. In 2010 when Margery moved from her home to Sterling House of Troy, it was extremely hard for her to say goodbye to all of her pets. The transition was difficult, but a trip to the Columbus Zoo in 2013 with her community brought her back out of her shell.
At first, she was wary to go because she had been declared legally blind and would not see the exhibits well, but each animal approached the glass barrier and seemed to look Margery right in the eyes! At the end of this trip, Margery remarked that the experience had changed her for the better and she wanted to get more involved in her community. Since that day, Margery remains active in her community and even recruits fellow residents to attend the annual zoo trips. Animals have had a profound impact on Margery’s life and she would love nothing more than to meet one up-close and personal.
Thanks to Brookdale and Wish of a Lifetime, Margery’s Wish came true in August, 2015. Margery, her son Greg, and many other family members traveled to the Columbus Zoo where she had encounters with a giraffe, a cheetah, a kangaroo, and an armadillo. Margery was overwhelmed with the amount of animals she was able to touch and hold during her wish. It was a dream come true!
