Have You Met?
Name: Frances Grabowski
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Resident: Butler, PA
Education: High school, some college
Profession: Fundraising
Story by: Helena McKinney
As Director of Annual Giving at Lutheran SeniorLife in Zelienople, Frances Grabowski is committed to providing exceptional senior care in Western Pennsylvania so that all seniors can live a full and abundant life. At Lutheran Senior Life, their ministry of care promotes wellness and independence in a home setting that allows seniors to choose the community that best suits their individual needs. Frances is a tremendous part of carrying out and achieving the organization's mission.
Lutheran SeniorLife communities and facilities provide an array of living preferences that include residential living, assisted living, long term care, and skilled nursing care. We also offer specialty care programs such as home health care.
Lutheran SeniorLife’s distinct programs are available at eight Western Pennsylvania Locations: Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople, St. John Specialty Care Center in Mars, Crown Pointe Senior Living in Butler, Crown Pointe Senior Living in Greensburg, LIFE Beaver County located in Aliquippa, LIFE Butler County in Butler, the Commons at Stonebrook Village in McCandless and Lindwood Crest in Greensburg.
To learn more about Lutheran Senior Life, please visit their website at www.lutheranseniorlife.org
Favorite Clothing Stores?: Macy's!
What gives a woman/man style?: For me, style is not about clothing. It is about the smile on your face, a straightforward handshake and a genuine interest in the people you meet and the world we live in.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you ever met?: Astronaut, moonwalker and artist, Captain Alan Bean. Alan Bean was an aeronautical engineer, naval aviator, astronaut, and is now an accomplished artist creating paintings that record humankind’s first exploration of another world. As Apollo 12 lunar module pilot, Captain Alan Bean became the fourth man to set foot on the moon. As spacecraft commander of the 2nd Skylab Mission, he lived 59 Days in space…270 miles above earth. His crew accomplished 150% of their pre-mission goals, a record that has not been surpassed before or since. As an astronaut, Alan helped establish 11 world records in aeronautics and space.
Who is your hero and why?: I don't have one hero, but I do have many heroes. They are the dedicated men and women whom I've worked with over the past twenty years in not-for-profit, faith-based social ministries. Their passion for caring for those served by the mission makes a difference in the lives of so many. I am inspired by their dedication - they make our world a better place.
Do you have any Pets?: Yes, a sweet little beagle named Chloe, a finicky cat named Jinx, and a betta fish named Piper.
What is the greatest gift you have ever given?: The gift of time. With a full-time job, raising a family & volunteering - finding time to spend with those you love truly is a gift. I used to spend every Sunday with my Mom, taking her grocery shopping, having lunch, just enjoying each other's company. It was sometimes hard to fit in, but I never regretted the time spent. When we were together, I would tell her "Mom, you are my fun thing!" She would smile and shake her head. She passed away two years ago and I'm so thankful for the Sundays we had together.
What is the greatest gift you have ever received?: The greatest gift I ever received has to be my three wonderful and now grown children - a daughter and two sons. It is a gift that keeps on giving because I now have five wonderful grandchildren who are the lights of my life!
What was your first job?: I was sixteen and a U.S. Census taker for the summer. I visited homes and counted the number of folks living in a household. I meet lots of folks living in my hometown and found out that you don't have to be an infant to get prickly heat!
What are your volunteer activities?: I serve on the Butler Area school district's Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation which raises funds for creative teaching grants and scholarships for graduating seniors.
What is your greatest indulgence?: ...that would have to be anything chocolate.
Favorite books / Writers?: "The Help", a moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, & hope. Written by Kathryn Stockett
What is the best advice you have ever received?: Don't sweat the small stuff...and everything is small stuff!
Which social event is your favorite?: Lutheran SeniorLife's annual gala, Excellence is Ageless, held the last Friday of April every year. I met Captain Alan Bean at our gala, and many other wonderful, vibrant, active seniors that continue to live full lives. Great role models for all of us!
What is your motto?: Lord, help me to remember that with Your help, I can do anything...