A Bond Nourished by Love—and Lunch
At 101 years old, Evelyn Funches is still sharp, quick-witted, and full of grace. Her daughter Ann, just shy of 79, is her constant companion, advocate, and caregiver. Together, they have built a life rooted in deep love and mutual respect—attending college games, traveling side-by-side, and sharing nearly every moment for decades.
Their relationship, however, has gradually shifted. As Evelyn’s mobility has declined, her need for hands-on support has grown. Ann has embraced the role of caregiver with dedication, but it hasn’t been easy. Cooking daily meals, managing both households, and ensuring her mother’s safety meant Ann’s own life was slowly being placed on pause.
“Before Meals-on-Wheels,” Ann explains, “I would buy groceries, cook at my house, and then finish the meal at Mom’s house. It was tiring and expensive.” Still, she never hesitated. She rearranged furniture, removed rugs, and even hid Evelyn’s mop and step ladder—anything to keep her safe.
Concerned for her mother’s well-being, Ann applied for the Meals-on-Wheels program through Senior Services. After two months on the waiting list, Evelyn was accepted.
Now, every weekday, Evelyn receives a hot, nutritious meal delivered right to her door. It’s more than just food—it’s peace of mind. Evelyn beams when she talks about the people who deliver it: “They’re excellent—very friendly. I get to know them.”
For Ann, it means she no longer carries the full weight of daily meal prep. “Meals-on-Wheels has been a godsend,” she says. “I know it’s here, balanced, and good. And if she doesn’t answer the door, someone checks on her. That means everything.”
“Two months felt short for us, but what about people who have to wait longer and don’t have anyone? What do they eat? How do they manage? My heart breaks thinking about it.”
Evelyn and Ann’s story is a powerful reminder that aging with dignity requires both love and support. For Evelyn, it’s the continued presence of her daughter. For Ann, it’s the comfort of knowing her mother is cared for. And for both, it’s the warm meal—and the friendly face—that arrives each day.
Because sometimes, something as simple as lunch can help keep a family strong.
This legacy of care is possible only because of friends like you. Yet today, more than 700 older adults in our community are still waiting for support through our services like Meals-on-Wheels and Home Care. Some wait months. Some wait alone.
As public funding becomes less reliable and program costs and needs rise, the gap between needs and available resources continues to grow.
Together, we can reduce hunger and isolation for older adults.
YOU CAN HELP CARRY THIS LEGACY FORWARD!
Your year-end gift of any amount turns worry into comfort and helps deliver the powerful hope that comes from a genuine human connection through Meals-on-Wheels and other programs.
