Countless lives are touched by what is done at The Well of Mercy.
Friendships are formed and bridges built to support and perpetuate the mission of The Well. A few of these friendships have developed through two of our partners, Carol and Pete Tomaselli.
One such friend, Carol's mother, Joan Morrissey Reese, connected deeply with our mission because of her own story. Joan attended many of our events, supported The Well financially and prayerfully, and connected with the women residents. Carol recently lost her mother, who died at 83 from complications of Alzheimer's Disease.
In Carol's own words, "If my mom had a place like 'The Well' during her early life, her childhood may have been different. Still, by God's grace, all turned out for the best."
Joan was born in New York State and orphaned at a very young age, at which point she entered the New York foster care system, where she described that she "moved from place to place to place". At age 11, one of her foster mother's told her, nobody owes you a life, it's what you make it. This new found philosophy coupled with an understanding that she was a child of God set her life's course in a positive direction.
Joan met her husband Gunther of 63 years as a teenager, and they were married when Joan was 20. She spent her entire adult life creating and nurturing the family she longed for as a child. Married 63 years and survived by her husband.
She was extra-ordinarily faithful, beginning every day reading God's word. Joan found joy in everything from being the first and last one on the dance floor to marveling at the rain. Unconditionally loving, generous, kind and the queen of hospitality. Joan had a way of making everyone feel special by serving in the kitchen and caring for the needs and comfort of others before her own. Joan was a caretaker, volunteer and helper to many...
We at The Well want to honor Joan's memory by dedicating our kitchen and dining room in her name. As we consider Joan's devotion to marriage, motherhood, family and faith, let us share in her generosity as we renovate our kitchen in her name.
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