Paralee’s Story

Paralee Thomas and Mary Frances McGuiness are sharing a moment—like two girlfriends spending the afternoon together. Only the moment is Paralee’s 96th birthday celebration and their relationship is so much more than friends. Paralee was Mary Frances’ childhood nanny and, before that, worked in her grandmother’s house as both maid and nanny, caring for Mary Frances’ mother and uncle.

“Paralee (pronounced ‘Pearlie’) raised us,” says Mary Frances, a member of Iona’s Board of Directors who lost track of her nanny until the two reconnected at a family funeral. By then, Mary Frances, who is from New York, had relocated to the Washington area to work in wireless telecom. Paralee moved here to continue working as a housekeeper, ultimately retiring in her mid-80s. “It’s difficult to age, no matter what the circumstances, but even harder if you lack a formal education, financial stability and the support of family,” says Mary Frances, who is helping Paralee address the many challenges of growing older.

For instance, Mary Frances, along with her husband and uncle, helped their friend navigate the complex Medicaid system, which ultimately allowed her to move from a subsidized apartment in a challenging neighborhood to a senior community at Thomas Circle. “I can understand how people die in their homes while trying to figure out how federal assistance programs work,” Mary Frances says. “You feel like a rat in a maze that has no exit. I see why people give up.”

Caring for an older loved one “can be exhausting, even depressing,” she adds. “However, there is a silver lining. I have met many people—starting with the staff of Iona—who are silent heroes of our community. Iona provides one-stop shopping, they know the city and offer personalized service. If I have to go through this experience again with a family member—or should I say when I go through this again—I will know what to expect and where to turn, thanks to Iona.”