The Fraternity Gives Back in Quality Care

When Brother Larry Fisher’s parents needed additional care, choosing Masonic Village at Sewickley felt like the natural next step. The village had long been part of the Fisher family’s story—both of Larry’s grandmothers received care there after they could no longer live independently.

“My parents thought enough of this place to put their parents here when they couldn’t take care of themselves,” Larry said. “We knew that with the fraternity, the care would be top notch, and it is.”

That confidence was rooted not only in the village’s reputation, but also in the family’s generations-long Masonic involvement. Larry and his father, Brother Don Fisher, are both members of Corinthian Lodge No. 573
in Pittsburgh.

Don, 92, joined the fraternity in 1969, while Nancy, 87, became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1970.

Throughout the years, both held numerous leadership roles. Nancy served as Grand Organist, Worthy Matron and District Deputy, while Don served as Worthy Patron and Worshipful Master of Corinthian Lodge. When Larry joined the lodge in 1981, Don had the honor of conferring all three degrees upon his son and later installing him as Worshipful Master.

“My parents together have given more than 50 years of service to the fraternity and Eastern Star,” Larry said. “After giving so much to the fraternity for decades, now the fraternity is giving back to them.”

Don and Nancy lived in a ranch home in Allison Park, north of Pittsburgh, for 55 years before moving to Masonic Village three years ago. The decision came after Don fell at home and contracted COVID-19 shortly afterward. Following a stay at a rehabilitation facility, Larry and his sister, Christine Hukari, realized their father would be better served in a retirement community.

When Don and Nancy first moved to their personal care apartment at Masonic Village, they used walkers to get around the neighborhood. As Don’s spinal stenosis and neuropathy progressed and Nancy transitioned to skilled nursing, staff provided Don with a wheelchair so he could continue visiting his wife every day.

“The care is good, I like being around other people, and I get along well with the staff,” Don said.

As his needs increased, Don eventually joined Nancy in the skilled nursing neighborhood.

Although Christine lives in Ohio and Larry lives about an hour away in Butler, Pennsylvania, knowing their parents were at Masonic Village helped put their minds at ease.

“I think moving to Masonic Village was the best thing they could have done,” Larry said. “This being a continuing care retirement community is the greatest thing. When you have progressive care and people know you, it’s easier than transitioning from one facility to another. This way, everything is in one place.”

Don and Nancy celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in August. Sadly, Nancy passed away in September.

“It gives me peace of mind knowing they’ve been well taken care of, together,” Larry said.