WALPOLE
ALLAN
Born in 1936 in Boston, Allan grew up in Dedham, Massachusetts, in a tight-knit family rooted in community values. His parents, lifelong residents of Dedham, instilled honesty, openness, and kindness. He shared a close bond with his older brother, and together they navigated childhood with joy and resilience, even during the challenging backdrop of World War II. “A lot of our lives at that point were directed to distract us,” Allan reflects. “It was all very purposeful by the adults to keep us busy as teenagers.”
Allan's youth was filled with outdoor adventures, school sports, and community activities. Football, hockey, and local clubs kept him active and engaged, teaching him teamwork and discipline. These experiences, combined with the guidance of his family, shaped his outlook on life and the importance of staying connected to others.
After a year at prep school and further studies at Lowell Tech (now University of Lowell), Allan volunteered for military service. Stationed in Germany during the post-war rebuilding period, he navigated a complex world divided by the Iron Curtain. “The Russians had control of the entrances into Berlin, and a few days off, a few of them got stuck because the rail system was shut down,” he recalls. The experience reinforced his adaptability and patience, qualities that would guide him throughout life.
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Family has always been central to Allan. Married with children and spread across the country and abroad, his life is filled with grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. “At this point, my kids, my grandkids, and my great-grandkids… that’s what makes life meaningful for me,” he says.
Allan credits respect and understanding as the keys to a strong marriage and emphasizes the value of curiosity and connection with others. “When you meet somebody… wouldn’t it be nice if they shared something with you? There’s always someone else there that knows something you don’t,” he muses.
“Stand behind those you love and always stay curious about the world and the people in it.”
ANNA
Born in 1938, at Norwood Hospital, Anna grew up in a home deeply rooted in Italian heritage and tradition. Her parents, both immigrants from Italy, spoke mostly Italian in the house. “My father came over when he was 18, so he spoke English, but my mother didn’t learn until later in life,” she recalls. Though Anna never became fluent, she laughs, “I don’t speak Italian—but I understand it.”
Her childhood was simple, structured, and surrounded by community. The neighborhood was filled with other Italian families, and summers meant everyone gathering outside, cooking, laughing, and sharing meals together. “Everybody cooked something and got together—it was nice,” she says warmly. Her parents were strict but loving, teaching her the importance of hard work and kindness. “They were good parents,” she reflects. “They did the best they could with what they had.
Anna’s early years were full of quiet joys—school, where she “loved learning languages,” and afternoons spent bike riding or swimming with friends. She was a Girl Scout and worked as a cashier at the local A&P after school. “It was a quiet time,” she remembers. “But it was fun.”
After high school, Anna went straight into the workforce, taking a job in an office at a factory. “I did inventory,” she says. “I was there 14 years.” Then life changed course—she got married. She and her husband settled down in Walpole, first in an apartment, and eventually in the home she still lives in today.
Together, they raised two sons. “I wasn’t as strict as my parents,” she admits, “but they didn’t get away with anything either.” Her pride in her family is unmistakable: “One’s a trooper, and one’s a lawyer.” She credits her husband with being a wonderful partner, adding , “To make a good marriage work, you’ve got to give a little and take a little.”
Family has always been Anna’s anchor. Her children and grandchildren live nearby, and she lights up when talking about them. “They’re wonderful,” she says. “My family—that’s what makes life meaningful.”
“Be good to people... Keep your nose clean. Get along with everybody.”
BARBARA
Born in 1948 at Norwood Hospital, Barbara was part of something special — the doctor’s very first set of twins. She grew up in a lively family of eight kids, where there was always someone talking, laughing, or playing music. “My mother had a ball with us,” Barbara says. “She’d dance to Chubby Checker in the living room — we wore the rug right out, but she was part of it, so we didn’t get in trouble.”
Her dad passed away young from rheumatoid arthritis, but his quiet strength and her mom’s endless energy shaped the person she became. From them, Barbara learned two simple lessons she’s carried through life: “Always tell the truth. And if somebody needs help, help them.”
Life as one of eight kids was never boring. They played kickball in the street, stayed out until the streetlights came on, and somehow always managed to find fun close to home. “We didn’t travel — there were too many of us — but we had a good life,” she says. She and her twin have stayed close ever since. “If anybody hurt my twin sister, I’d be upset with them,” she laughs. “We’ve always been very close.”
After high school, Barbara went to college in Michigan to study business. Her soon-to-be husband was in shipping school at the time, and together they eventually moved back to Walpole to raise a family. “We had four kids in four years,” she says with a smile. Between raising her own and babysitting for neighborhood families, Barbara kept her hands full — and her heart even fuller.
She found time for creativity too. A cake-decorating class turned into a side passion, and soon she was baking and designing wedding cakes for people all over town. Later, she worked part-time for a software company before landing a job she loved — as secretary to the principal at Johnson Middle School. “To this day, I miss the kids,” she says. “I love kids.”
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Looking back, Barbara says her life was busy but rewarding. “You just do what you have to do,” she shrugs. “We struggled, but we did well.”
“Always tell the truth. And if somebody needs help, help them.”
DEBORAH
Born in 1953 at Norwood Hospital, Deborah spent her early years in Islington before her family moved to Tampa Bay, Florida. She remembers her childhood there with days spent near the ocean, exploring with friends, and the kind of carefree summers few children experience today. “There wasn’t a lot of parental supervision like there is now,” she laughs. “We pretty much did whatever we wanted—as long as we were home for lunch and supper.”
When Deborah was 12, her family returned to Norwood, where she attended Norwood Junior High and High School. She quickly learned the importance of independence.​
From left: Anna, Deborah, Barbara
“We were a family that needed to work,” she recalls. “I always had a job.” From babysitting for multiple families at once—sometimes up to eight kids at just 12 years old—to folding laundry in a laundromat, waiting tables at Woolworth’s, and even managing a cafeteria at the old Cumberland Farms factory, Deborah became no stranger to responsibility. “Things were a little different then,” she says with a smile. “You just did what needed to be done.”
That early sense of work ethic and empathy eventually led Deborah to nursing—a career she hadn’t planned, but one she came to love deeply. “It just evolved,” she explains. “Sometimes you just know that’s where you belong.”
Over more than forty years in the field, she cared for patients at Norwood Hospital, worked in home care, and even reunited with former colleagues decades later at the Walpole Senior Center. “There are people here I hadn’t seen in 40 years,” she says proudly. “They came up to me and said, ‘I know who you are.’ I was very good at what I did—and I enjoyed it.”
Life wasn’t without its challenges. When Deborah’s father walked away while she was young, her mother was left to raise five children alone. Later, as a mother herself, she balanced raising her children, caring for a stepson, and working full-time, all while maintaining the strength and independence her mother had modeled.
“You just do what you have to do. You don’t feel sorry for yourself—you figure it out.”
DENISE
Born in 1950 in the small town of DeBien, Quebec, Canada, Denise grew up in a bustling household of eight children. “My parents were very good, raising six children after the Depression,” she recalls. With a twin brother by her side, she learned early the value of family, respect, and discipline. Though she and her twin weren’t close as children—“As a younger child, we were not close because he had his little male friends, and I had my own girlfriends”—time and adulthood have strengthened their bond. Recently, the two celebrated their 75th birthdays together, a reunion decades in the making.
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Childhood memories for Denise are simple but vivid: the smell of homemade bread, the sound of a favorite radio song, and the warmth of family routines. School presented its challenges, but her determination carried her through. As a teenager, she even considered a convent life, reflecting on the expectations and curiosities of youth.
Denise moved to Massachusetts after high school to help her sister and learn English—a visit that would become permanent. Over the years, she pursued education and work, starting as a key punch operator in the Boston office and eventually building a 35-year career in business. Along the way, she met her husband at work. “It took me four months to take the courage and ask him out,” she remembers. Forty-six years later, they remain happily married, raising a blended family of three children and celebrating the joys of grandchildren.
Life has not always been easy. Denise faced hardship early when her first marriage ended, leaving her a young mother navigating challenges on her own. Yet resilience has defined her path.
For Denise, meaning comes from relationships, joy, and connection. Being social, smiling, and sharing life with friends and family—especially with her husband, “[her] rock”—has made life rich and rewarding.
“Don’t take everything so seriously... When you’re young, you think it’s the end of the world. It’s going to pass.”
GISETTE
Born in 1949, in Puerto Rico, Gisette grew up in a household full of love, support, and adventure. With a twin sister by her side, she spent much of her childhood traveling with her father, who was in the army. From Germany to Hawaii to Upstate New York, Gisette learned early how to adapt, explore, and embrace life’s changes. “We moved around a lot, but it gave me a very unified relationship with my sister,” she recalls.​​
Sports were a constant joy throughout her youth. Whether it was flag football, softball, volleyball, basketball, or track, Gisette was always part of the action, breaking expectations and proving that determination knows no gender. She cherished these moments and the lessons they taught her about teamwork, perseverance, and confidence.
Gisette’s love of learning led her to a lifelong career in education. She taught first through third grade in Puerto Rico before moving to Massachusetts in 1976 to teach in Boston. From bilingual classrooms to dual-language immersion programs, Gisette has dedicated her life to nurturing children’s curiosity and growth. “I’ve been a teacher my whole life,” she laughs, reflecting on decades of shaping young minds.
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Family has always been at the center of Gisette’s world. She met her husband, Todd, shortly after moving to Massachusetts, and together they built a life founded on shared values, mutual respect, and teamwork. Raising twins and a younger son, Gisette emphasizes balance and partnership: “We shared our responsibilities. Even now, he does the food shopping and loves to cook!”
Travel and cultural experiences enriched her life further. Summers were often filled with journeys to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and even Disney World—adventures that sparked curiosity and broadened perspectives.
Gisette believes strongly in passing on her values to her children and grandchildren, continuing a legacy of love, respect, and resilience. At the Walpole COA, Gisette brings her energy and creativity to the community. From calling bingo to leading Creative Corner arts and crafts sessions, she continues to inspire and connect with others. “There are so many things this place provides,” she says. “It’s really good.”
"Be yourself and do what makes you happy. That’s what life is about."
JIM
Born in 1956 in Bangor, Maine, Jim grew up in a nurturing household where both parents were teachers. From a young age, he learned the value of kindness, patience, and hard work. He and his younger brother shared a close bond despite their age difference, learning early on the importance of respect and understanding in relationships.
At 17, Jim experienced a life-changing motorcycle accident that left him with two broken arms and a severely broken leg. “It probably changed the course of my life,” he reflects. Home tutoring and resilience became his new normal, shaping his perseverance and adaptability.
After graduating from the University of Maine with a degree in zoology, Jim found his career path closer to home, working in the local landscaping industry. His hands-on approach and dedication allowed him to build a life rooted in steady work and community connections. Though he never married, he has maintained a 25-year relationship with his partner, built on patience and mutual understanding: “Don’t realize that there’s going to be times where you don’t do or get everything you need or want. You have to allow the other person to have their time.”
Music has been a lifelong passion for Jim, starting in elementary school when he picked up the trumpet. Over the past 59 years, playing music has not only brought him joy but also lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging.
“[What’s] meaningful to me is… playing music in the camaraderie that goes along with that,” he says, emphasizing the joy of connection through shared creativity.
At the Walpole COA, Jim continues to serve the community by driving vans for members’ appointments and outings, ensuring others feel supported and included.
“Do what you love, find your people, and hold on to them for a lifetime.”
JOHN
Born in the late 1930s in Dedham, Massachusetts, John grew up in a lively household with seven siblings, the middle child of eight children. Life in such a large family taught him responsibility, cooperation, and the importance of supporting one another. “You learn how to be with each other, help each other, stay together,” he remembers, reflecting on the lessons of his childhood. Playgrounds, neighborhood adventures, and sports shaped John’s youth, and he excelled in track and field, participating in every event and even captaining his senior team.
After high school, John entered the workforce, running a medical warehouse for Phillips for thirty years. “I liked working with people,” he says. His role demanded leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability, and he often went above and beyond, even helping with emergencies in the middle of the night. Later, he worked nineteen years at Stop & Shop in Norwood, where he became a familiar face to the community and formed lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike. Though he never attended college, John credits learning on the job for shaping his skills, independence, and resilience.
Family remained central to John’s life. He met his wife, Joan, while working in Boston, and they built a life together raising three children—two boys and a girl—instilling the same values of love, support, and family cohesion that had defined his own upbringing. “Life is different today,” he notes, “but I try to keep them as a family. That’s important.” John’s faith at St. Mary’s Church also played a significant role, grounding him through life’s challenges and joys.
Through work, family, and community, John has cultivated a life defined by dedication, perseverance, and care for others. He values friendships, cherishes small moments, and enjoys watching his children and grandchildren grow. “Learn as much as you can, especially the way the world is today,” he advises.
“I loved being around people...That’s really important. Growing up, school, work, family—it all taught me how to enjoy life and help each other.”
JOYCE
Born in Scotland in 1940, Joyce grew up in a lively household of nine children, raised with values of honesty, truthfulness, and family unity. Life wasn’t always easy—sharing a one-bedroom, one-living-room home meant learning patience and cooperation early—but she remembers the joy of summers spent traveling by bus, train, and ferry to Ross, an island retreat where the family enjoyed two weeks of adventure each year. “We built our own fun,” she recalls. “We didn’t have money for toys, so we… used whatever we could find.”
School was strict, running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., five days a week, but Joyce carried that discipline into her own life. As a teenager, she played in the streets with her siblings and dreamed of traveling the world, ambitions that would eventually take her far from home. After completing nursing school, she made the bold decision to move to America at age 20. “I never, ever thought I’d end up in America,” she admits. “I came here on my own.”
Joyce built both a career and a family in her new home. She worked as an emergency room nurse and later for the Department of Public Health in Cambridge, dedicating 35 years to helping others. She married her husband, whom she met in Boston, and raised three independent children, determined to ensure they had opportunities she sometimes had to fight for herself. “My husband was more in favor of girls not being educated, but I pushed them,” she says.
Her perspective on marriage and life reflects the wisdom gained over decades. “It takes a lot of give and take,” Joyce notes. “You’re not always gonna be right, and he’s not always gonna be right. You have to compromise somewhere. But it’s important for your children.”
“Take your time. Don’t rush into things. Travel, do what you want to do.”
LINDA
Born in 1945, in Boston, Massachusetts, Linda grew up in a hardworking, close-knit family. Her father worked at the Quincy shipyard and also served as a police officer, while her mother balanced hospital office work with raising two children. “I can remember coming home from school and taking care of my father and brother, making sure they got their supper,” she says with a fond smile — a glimpse of the responsibility and care that would later define her life.
Sundays were her favorite part of childhood. Each week, the family would pile into the car for a drive — sometimes to nearby towns, sometimes all the way to Cape Cod. “The longest trips we went on were in the summer. We only went to the Cape,” she recalls. That tradition grew into a lifelong love: “After I retired from nursing, I rented the same place every year for ten years. I still go every summer.”
Linda went through the Dedham school system, graduating from Dedham High in 1962. “I still have high school friends I’m very close to — we all turned 80 this year!” As a teen, she and her friends would walk all over town, laughing and chatting as they made their way to the weekly dances. “We’d have curlers in our hair walking downtown — now my teenage granddaughters spend half an hour getting ready, but we just went as we were!”
From a young age, Linda knew what she wanted: to be a nurse. “I always wanted to be a nurse. And I became one.” After high school, she trained at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, one of the old hospital-based nursing schools. Living among New Bedford’s Portuguese community left a lasting mark. “It was an experience of a lifetime,” she says. “To this day, there’s five or six of us who still see each other every year. We’ve been to every one of our reunions.”
Linda graduated from nursing school in 1965 and began her career at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. “They recommended starting on a medical-surgical unit — back then, you didn’t have as many choices.” Though her mother had dreamed she’d become a teacher, Linda followed her own calling.
“Be yourself — and do what makes you happy. That’s what life is about.”
MARIE
Born in 1940, in West Newton, Massachusetts, Marie grew up in a lively household rooted in Irish heritage and strong family values. Her parents, both from Galway, Ireland, taught her the importance of faith, family, and perseverance. “We never wondered where our next meal was coming from,” she recalls, a testament to the resourcefulness and resilience that shaped her early years.
Childhood was full of laughter, games, and small adventures. She remembers playing hide-and-seek in tiny spaces, and the heartbreak of losing their beloved dog, Lassie. “My sister keeps telling me this when she’s 88 now,” Marie laughs. These moments, both joyful and bittersweet, left lasting memories.
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As a teenager, Marie enjoyed neighborhood friends, movies, and fun. She recounts a priest scolding her and a friend during mass: “Would you two girls stop talking?”​
Marie began her career in administration, earning more than her older brother and learning early lessons in responsibility. She remembers when she bought a coat she couldn’t afford: “That’ll teach you a lesson,” her mother told her, guiding her through financial independence . Later, she faced life’s toughest challenges, including a cancer diagnosis in 2002, which tested her courage and resilience.
Marriage and family became the center of Marie’s life. She met her husband at a dance, remembering, “If you want to go out with me, you have to ask me out,” a rule she held for herself. Together, they raised children in homes filled with love, laughter, and careful planning—Marie even hid gifts in recessed cabinets to surprise her kids at Christmas.
Family gatherings remain her greatest joy. With reunions bringing together dozens of relatives, Marie treasures these connections and the legacy of love and humor that runs through generations. She reflects, “Family get-togethers first. That’s what life is about.”
“Stay resilient – that’s what life’s taught me.”
MARILYN
Born in 1949 in Norwood, Massachusetts, Marilyn grew up as the oldest of eight children in a bustling Lebanese household. With six brothers and one sister, she often helped care for the family. “Every Saturday I stripped seven beds and helped my mother with everything,” she recalls. Her parents, who spoke Lebanese at home, instilled in her the values of faith, discipline, and hard work.
Despite struggling with dyslexia, Marilyn persevered through school and discovered her love for people and creativity. At just 16, she met her future husband on a blind date. “I was so shy back then, but I’m not shy now,” she laughs. The two dated through high school and endured years apart while he served in the military before marrying and starting a life together.
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Marilyn stayed home with their two sons before building a 32-year career as a hairdresser. She especially loved doing prom hairstyles and sharing her story of marrying her high school sweetheart. Family remained her greatest joy. “You can do anything you want,” she often told her children, encouraging both of her sons to pursue education and meaningful work. Today, she delights in the success of her grandchildren as well.
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In addition to her family, Marilyn has poured her heart into volunteering. At the Walpole COA, she leads knitting projects that have produced hundreds of blankets and scarves for veterans, newborns, and families in need. One moment that stayed with her came from a World War II veteran: “He told me, ‘I wish I could get up and dance with you.’ I cried all the way home.”
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Through all of life’s ups and downs, Marilyn’s outlook has remained steady and bright. “I never say anything bad about anyone,” she says. “I just love life. I love people. I don’t care what nationality you are—we’re all human beings.”​
“Go for your dreams. Get an education. But most of all, be happy in what you do.”
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MARY DIANE
Born in 1948 in Newton, Massachusetts, Mary Diane grew up in a bustling household with two sisters and two brothers. Her father worked tirelessly across three jobs to support the family, while her mother nurtured the home. From a young age, Mary Diane learned the importance of honesty, respect, and family bonds. “I said, ‘This is ridiculous, not talking to this one or that one. You don’t know how much longer you’re gonna be here,’” she recalls, reflecting on her commitment to maintaining close relationships with her siblings.
School was full of typical trials and triumphs. High school presented limited options for girls in sports—basketball or cheerleading—but Mary Diane found joy in supporting her peers and hosting Sunday night gatherings after football games, celebrating wins and losses alike. “Every Sunday night after our football games, there was a party at my parents’ house. We would just have a good time together,” she remembers fondly.
Mary Diane’s passion for helping others led her to a lifelong career in nursing. From working as a nurse’s aide in high school to serving as a charge nurse in the operating room for over forty years, she thrived on hands-on care. “Everything was becoming computerized, and I was basically becoming a secretary. That’s not what I went to school for—I wanted to give care to my patients,” she explains, highlighting her dedication to putting people first.
Family remained central throughout her life. She met her husband at the Enlisted Men’s Club, and their relationship grew from mutual respect and shared values. They were married for 46 years until his passing, and Mary Diane emphasizes balance and presence in raising her children. “I never missed a sports activity that either one of them participated in, all four years of high school,” she says. Her approach to parenting focused on honesty, compromise, and fostering independence, teaching her children that growth comes from give-and-take.
Even in later years, Mary Diane embraces new experiences and personal growth. She has traveled by train to South Carolina, taken a New England cruise, and continues to pursue activities that bring her joy and fulfillment. “There’s good in every single person. Sometimes you might have to look a little deeper. But it is there, and if you look for it, you’ll find it,” she reflects.
“Believe in yourself, because if you don’t, no one else will.”
SUSAN
Born in 1955, in Stamford, Connecticut, Susan grew up in a household grounded in honesty, integrity, and kindness. Her father worked tirelessly six days a week, while her mother filled their home with warmth, love, and memorable meals. With an older brother by her side, Susan recalls the joy of playing outside with neighborhood friends and walking down to the beach. “I always loved being with the neighborhood kids,” she smiles.
School was a place of curiosity and growth. From elementary friendships to the varied social groups of high school, Susan navigated life with ease and authenticity. Though she dreamed of teaching, circumstances led her to business school and office work—a career path she approached with diligence, even if it wasn’t her first passion. “Looking back now, I wasn’t really that comfortable with it. It really wasn’t my thing,” she admits, reflecting on the lessons of flexibility and perseverance.
Family has always been the heart of Susan’s life. She met her husband while traveling, and together they built a partnership rooted in love, respect, and shared experiences. Raising three children brought challenges, including health issues and navigating separation, but also immense fulfillment. “Kids are your inspiration,” she says simply, highlighting how they became her motivation through life’s highs and lows.
Susan’s later years have been filled with connection, movement, and joy. At the local center, she participates in tai chi, chair yoga, and programs designed to “reverse the aging process.” She treasures time with her grandchildren and the friendships that flourish in community spaces. “It’s just so nice to come here… it’s a wonderful program,” she beams.
Through it all, Susan has embraced life’s flow, recognizing that kindness often arrives in unexpected forms. “The downs bring you angels that you don’t know… people you need when you need them,” she reflects.
“Follow your dreams, be persistent, and be confident—life goes so quick, so make it count.”
THOMAS
Born in 1954 in Boston, Tom grew up in a close-knit neighborhood where childhood meant endless games of street hockey, afternoons skating on frozen ponds, and evenings spent outside until the streetlights came on. “All the neighborhood kids would get together, play games… we were all together,” he recalls. Families shared rides to the beach or trips for ice cream, and the community felt like one big family.
At home, Tom was one of three brothers. His parents were strict but supportive, instilling structure and responsibility in their sons. Even so, Tom remembers plenty of laughter, sports, and camaraderie—both at home and in the neighborhood.
In school, Tom gravitated toward math and history, and outside of the classroom, he loved working on cars and playing sports. “We had neighborhood teams,” he explains. “Every playground had a ball team, and we’d travel to other playgrounds to play.” His first jobs came early—delivering newspapers and later working as a page at the Norwood Library at just 14 years old.
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As he grew older, Tom pursued college while also diving into the workforce. He studied first at Massasoit Community College, spent a year in California working, then returned to finish at Boston State College (now UMass Boston). His career path led him into electronics and engineering, where he worked for companies like Polaroid, Epsco, and Lucas Aerospace before settling into a 25-year career at Textron. There, he specialized in advanced electronics for military aircraft, developing systems that bridged sonar buoys with onboard computers. His dedication included taking night classes to advance his skills.
​Family life, however, was Tom’s greatest challenge and reward. Raising children close in age while balancing two jobs was difficult, but he and his wife worked as a team. “Those were tough years,” he admits, “but we managed.” His values of balance, resilience, and responsibility carried through into fatherhood, and he intentionally raised his children with more ease than the strictness he experienced growing up.
Friendship has always played an important role in Tom’s life, too. Many of the childhood friends he grew up with remain in touch today, even those who have moved as far as Florida. And as a lifelong sports fan, his favorite memories also include cheering on Boston’s championship teams, especially the Red Sox.
“Listen to your parents... they had good advice, and I didn’t always take it. If I did, I’d probably be president of the United States by now.”