BURKE, Virginia. – Winona Flyzik, a resident of a senior living facility in Virginia, celebrated her 100th birthday with a visit to her parents’ home in Washington, DC
Flyzik, who had shared fond memories of the home with staff and peers at Heatherwood Retirement Community, was overjoyed to return to the halls where she grew up.
It was 1930 when her father bought the then new house in the neighborhood. Flyzik and her family lived in this house throughout her childhood.
To make her milestone birthday special, Heatherwood’s Life Enrichment Director, Tabitha Purcell, contacted current owners, Beth Alalben and Matt Chambers, who enthusiastically agreed to the visit.
Alalben and Chambers, who have lived in the house since 1989, had recently researched its history and were pleased to learn more from Flyzik.
The surprise outing allowed Flyzik to walk through the same doors of her childhood and share pictures and stories with the current owners. For Flyzik, it was a touching, full-circle moment and she expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunity to relive cherished memories.
The visit was part of Heatherwood’s WOW Moment initiative, which aims to create personalized experiences for residents, helping them reminisce and fulfill items on their wish lists.
