CARE YOU CAN COUNT ON

Patricia “Pat” Sweigart spent most of her life caring for others when they needed her most. Now, Masonic Village is able to return the favor, thanks to generous support from donors.

Pat has called Masonic Village at Elizabethtown home for over 12 years, now residing in the personal care area.

She worked for more than 10 years with Bethlehem Steel, and another 25 years at Butler Manufacturing in Annville, where she retired as an automatic welder.

She also regularly operated steel shearing machines and transported electrical equipment in large trucks.

During this time, Pat also enjoyed traveling and reading, though she admittedly didn’t have much time to do either between working and raising her children. After outliving three of her four children, Pat is grateful to find comfort and stability in the care she receives at Masonic Village.

“There are a lot [of retirement communities] out there, but not a lot of good ones,” Pat said. “Masonic Village provides everything I could ever need.”

In the time since her move, Pat has witnessed firsthand the Masonic Village philosophy of maintaining a zest for life, even in retirement. She is no stranger to the activities and engagement opportunities available on campus, despite losing some of her mobility over the years.

“I’ve lost a lot physically, but I’m not being ‘put away,’ like at a traditional nursing home,” she said. “You can do nearly anything here, and I’ve tried [every activity] at one time or another.”

One of the things that has been abundantly clear to Pat during her time here is the dedication of staff to resident care.

“Of all the years I’ve been here, I must say that the staff is wonderful,” she said. “They’re well-equipped and knowledgeable, and you can tell they really care about you.”

In her free time, Pat has revived her old hobby of reading, with Nicholas Sparks being her current favorite author. She also enjoys weekend excursions with her daughter, Robin, who lives in Middletown and visits often.

“Living alone, it’s hard to find motivation to stay on your feet and take care of yourself,” Pat said. “After a hard life like mine, it’s nice to have people I can trust taking care of me for once.”

Most of all, Pat is grateful to the amazing staff who facilitate her care and the donors who make it all possible.

“I thank the Lord every day to be here,” she said. “To all the staff, donors and other residents who make living here so enjoyable, thank you!”

With the help of donors like you, hundreds of other residents across the state are able to experience the comfort and dignity of retirement at Masonic Villages, without worrying about the cost of their care. Pat says it best herself: “There’s nowhere better to be!”

Patricia passed away on Feb. 14, 2023. Her family gave permission to share her story in her memory.

FINANCIAL REPORT for the MASONIC CHARITIES

Your gifts made an immeasurable difference in 2022 in the lives of those in need. Your continued support will help the Masonic Charities enhance the lives of countless men, women and children in 2023 and beyond.

86% of your gift directly supports charitable work more than less than 14% is used for administration and fundraising

Condensed Statements of Activities Without Donor Restrictions for the years ended Dec. 31, 2021 and 2022

*Losses incurred in the fulfillment of our charitable mission are historically covered by the following support from members and friends of the fraternity: gifts and bequests, contributions from our affiliated organizations, investment income and realized gains. Any excess of revenues and support over expenses is reinvested so the Masonic Charities can continue to provide charitable services.