Glenview couples offer newlywed advice, renew vows despite dementia

With wedding season in full swing, some residents at a Glenview memory care community offered advice to newlyweds while renewing their own vows.

Ann and Barrett Feeney (ages 78 and 81) joined two other couples to reaffirm their commitment to love and honor their spouses at Emerald Place, an Anthem Memory Care community located at 1879 Chestnut Ave. Glenview, Illinois.

The Feeneys celebrated their 50th anniversary during the celebration and offered this advice to those starting out: “Always communicate and use both you and your husband’s strengths and skills to work together toward a goal.”

“For our couples, the celebration gave them a chance to express their love and commitment despite the challenges of dementia,” said Jaime Vahhaji, life engagement director for Emerald Place. “Our residents were excited about the nuptials as they all had a part to play from making bouquets to helping with decorations. It was truly a community wide celebration bringing joy and love to all.”

The re-newlyweds also included Marylene and Stewart Levin, married over 57 years; and Norman and Kay Corfield, married over 64 years.

The long-united couples, residents and families enjoyed a vintage wedding theme with cake, champagne and chocolate strawberries. Each of the brides and grooms chose fellow residents to serve in their bridal parties.

About Anthem Memory Care

Anthem’s core purpose is to protect, engage, and love people living with memory loss and is committed to provide understanding and significance to people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Anthem, based in West Linn, Ore., operates and develops memory care communities in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The company’s website is AnthemMemoryCare.com.