A Scholarship for Caregivers in Memory of a Daughter
This is the beginning of a new day.
You have been given this day to use as you will.
You can waste it or use it for good.
What you do today is important
because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever;
in its place is something that you have left behind…
…Let it be something good
– Heartsill Wilson
Just as the poem explains, Mary Loritz tries to do “something good” every day. Her daughter, Jodi, was called to Heaven when she was only 19 years old. In response, Mary set up a scholarship in her daughter’s memory with the help of Aztalan Engineering where Jodi worked and Madison Area Technical College (MATC) where Jodi was attending college.
“We kept getting money from people in her memory, and we just kept putting the money into the scholarship,” Mary explained.
Mary decided to give the scholarship to a Heritage Homes team member who is pursuing a career in the health field at MATC. In this way, she can ensure the scholarship helps someone in need who is also working in the caregiving field.
“The Christian atmosphere here at Heritage Homes, the caring and love is the key to success in our health care communities today. We have been blessed to keep Jodi’s scholarship going for so many years and with the help of others we hope to continue for many more,” Mary said.
Mary has seen the care offered at Heritage Homes by team members because she is a team member at the care community.
“I started working here in activities around three years ago. It’s such a beautiful place where everyone is so kind and caring. I think Jodi would really like her name associated with helping others,” she explained.
The first recipient of this scholarship is Abigail Adams, a resident assistant at Heritage Homes and a nursing student at MATC.
“I am honored to receive this scholarship,” said Abigail. “I realized I wanted to be in the caregiving field after helping to care for my Grandpa while he had cancer. I enjoy helping and taking care of people.”
Mary and her husband, along with Heritage Homes Administrator Barb Butler hope to continue to offer this scholarship annually. To donate and support this scholarship in memory of Jodi, visit tlha.org.