Resident Stories

Finding Friendship… Again

In a case of life coming full circle, old friends Sally Smith and Anna Greco reconnected after years apart with the help of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services.

It had been years since the women saw each other until Sally was living in Cedar Mountain Commons and Anna in Jefferson House.

Early days

Their friendship dates to 1945, during WWII, when they both worked at Landers, Frary & Clark Manufacturing Company in New Britain now known as Assa Abloy located in Berlin. Sally was secretary to the vice president while Anna manufactured bullets and other war supplies for the troops.

After a long day at work, they played on the company’s softball team at Walnut Hill Park. Anna played shortstop and Sally right field, and the physical proximity allowed them to chat during games and become really good friends.

As life passes you by

Eventually, however, they lost touch, living separate lives across the country as they found love, raised children and built families. Anna moved to California for about 10 years, where she got married and raised three of her children as Sally did the same in Connecticut.

From friends to family

That was, until Sally’s sister Florence and Anna’s brother Rudy wed. Sally and Anna reconnected at the wedding and then at various family gatherings afterwards. 

Elaine, a shared niece, learned Anna was living at Jefferson House and, with Sally’s transition there, having someone so close to her in the same place gave Elaine and the rest of her family peace of mind. Nursing managers and staff diligently worked to get the two reconnected again. Anna called Sally, and they got together for the first time in January 2023, as Sally transitioned from Cedar Mountain Commons to Jefferson House.

At Jefferson House

Now living under one roof, exactly one floor away from each other, the women are regularly in contact. Anna calls Sally often to remind her of any sporting event as they share an undying love for sports and are avid Red Sox fans. The two look forward to spending more time together.