The oldest SGW resident was born in Wichita, Kansas, on April 26th, 1908. Her age is 101! Her name is Marjorie Darnell.
Marjorie is very sharp and alert. Her pleasant personality and willingness to converse simplifies the talk we had to obtain this article.
Through her life to date, she resided in Goodwell, Fort Sill, and Stillwater, all towns in Oklahoma.
Her husband was a Sergeant Major in the army that was based in Fort Sill. Marjorie and her husband also resided in Stuttgart, Germany, from 1939-1942.
Marjorie studied business at Panhandle State University. Her earlier education was completed at Goodwell Highschool in Oklahoma.
Marjorie's parents were Bert and Eva McGinnis. Her siblings consisted of 4 sisters and 2 brothers. Marjorie has 2 sons, one of whom lives in Durango and owns a medical supply business, the other is retired in Texas.
Marjorie, we are extremely happy you reside with us at Sunshine Gardens. Your conversations with us gives us satisfaction and pleasure. Thanks a million!
Nannette Kramer is our youngest resident. Below is her autobiography explaining why and how she chose to live at Sunshine Gardens. We are so blessed that she allowed us into her heart and life with this true account. You are an amazing woman, Nan. We love you.
I was born in Durango, CO, on Oct. 12th, 1960, at Mercy Hospital at 3:15 PM. I grew up in Durango and attended first grade through 8th grade at St. Columba Catholic School. My 9th grade year I attended the old Durango High School and from grade 10-12 I went to the new Durango High School. I was in the first class to graduate from there in 1979.
I then attended Fort Lewis College from 1979-1982. I majored in Elementary Education. During spring break, I went with a friend of mine to Fort Collins, CO, to a wedding. At the wedding reception, I met my future husband. His name was Tom. He was tall, handsome, and he loved to country swing.
I knew that night that I was going to marry him. I transferred to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley (it's the state's teacher's college) and continued pursuing my teaching degree.
Tom and I were married on September 17th 1983. It was one of the happiest days of my life.
I continued going to school and graduated from UNC in 1985, with a BA in Elementary Education, a BA in Reading, and a minor in Early Childhood.
I taught school in the Thompson R2J School District which was in Loveland, CO. I taught for 18 years. I also taught kindergarten for 7 years, 1st grade for 10 years, and 2nd grade for 1 year. I took my 1st graders to 2nd grade, which was interesting. However, 1st grade was my favorite grade to teach. I have some very fond memories. I enjoyed teaching very much.
I always loved Durango, the mountains, and skiing. I just thought it was such a beautiful place with so much to do. I felt it was like a little place of heaven on earth. Fort Collins was nice also, but it didn't have the mountains and the small town feeling.
My parents are Wayne and Nancy and they reside here in Durango. My father was an R.N. They are both retired now. I have 2 brothers and 1 sister. They all live in Durango. My older brother works at Durango Silverton Railroad.
Tom and I were married for 19 1/2 years. Together, we have a beautiful daughter Katelin Rae who is 21 years old. She was born in 1988 and brought so much joy into our lives! She now has a daughter. Her name is Isabel and she was born on March 11th, 2009. She weighed 6 lbs, 4 oz, and was 20 1/4 inches long. She had lots of dark brown hair. She's so beautiful, just like my daughter!
Tom and I have been divorced now for 7 years. I came down with depression and have been fighting it for about 12 years, in fact; I still fight it each and every day. I tried all kinds of medicines. Tom just couldn't deal with it, so he chose to move on. The divorce was the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. Plus, my daughter wanted to stay in Fort Collins with all of her friends. I really took it hard. In fact, I fell to pieces.
I am on some good medication now and my daughter and I have re-bonded. I take life day by day. My future ambitions are to possibly right a book about depression. My counselor thinks it would be a good idea and might help others.
I love it here at Sunshine Gardens, all of the wonderful residents and staff! I couldn't be in a better place. I love you all!!! ----NAN
Nan, you are a delight to be around. We feel extremely fortunate you chose us! You are for sure, a very rare specimen and we love you!
