Resident has roots at Marjorie P. Lee

When you meet Marjorie P. Lee (MPL) resident Ellen Berghamer, you are struck by her sunny disposition and sense of warmth radiating from her ever-present smile. “Down-to-earth” is one adjective that comes to mind. Perhaps this comes from her deep love of nature, which is evident by her dedication to beautifying MPL with colorful blooms.

Known by many residents as “The Flower Lady,” Berghamer donates her time and talents caring for and displaying flower arrangements donated to MPL from area organizations. These beautiful creations, which Berghamer often rearranges into new bouquets, are displayed throughout the building for the enjoyment of all residents, staff and visitors.

“I have no special training; I just always have had gardens and have been interested in color,” she says.

Family ties
Indeed, family ties are what attracted Berghamer to Marjorie P. Lee. Her parents, Walter and Mae Archea, were the very first people to move into MPL's then-new independent living apartment building back in 1973.

“I loved coming to visit,” she recalls. “I thought that the dining room was so elegant, and we loved coming in to have dinner. Both my parents were very social and enjoyed all the activities.”

At the time, Berghamer did not imagine herself living at MPL one day. But it became an attractive option as the years went by, and she started considering retirement. In 2001, one year after her husband Richard passed away, she decided to make the move.

“When Gini Tarr (MPL's marketing director) showed me around, I toured one apartment that wasn't exactly what I wanted. She told me she thought that another apartment would soon be opening up. I was amazed when I saw it was the very same apartment where my parents lived! My sister, Mary said, ‘Your angels were looking out for you.' I do think that's true; some things are meant to be.”

It seems that fate also played a role in the friendships she has formed since moving to MPL.

“I remember the first morning I went to the dining room, I saw Ruth Linder (who worked as a secretary at MPL during the time Berghamer's parents were residents) and John Hussey,” she remembers. “I've been having meals with them ever since. A few others have joined us over the years. We have a fun table; we talk about everything.”

Busy, busy, busy!
Berghamer says that being in her apartment brings back happy memories of when her parents lived there. But with her busy schedule, you'll rarely find her in her apartment. You're more likely to see her at MPL's exercise class, working out in the community's wellness center, or out and about on MPL-sponsored outings to the Cincinnati Symphony and other destinations.

Berghamer's social and organizational skills, which she gained from her career, also come into play as she serves on the Good Samaritan Mission (ERH's benevolent resident care campaign) committee and MPL's programming committee (which helps plan resident activities).

Although spending time alone helps her “recharge her batteries,” Berghamer says that giving back to others fuels her spirit. That is one reason she gives so much of her time to MPL and donates generously to ERH, as well as several environmental organizations and local institutions.

“I enjoy doing these things because I feel I should do something to help improve other's lives,” she says. “I think when you're blessed like I am, you should think of others.”

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