Sugar Grove Senior Living becomes home for many

SUGAR GROVE – Rosa Hickman of Sugar Grove enjoys going to the beauty parlor with her 73-year-old daughter.

They get their nails, makeup and hair done – an opportunity she might not have without the Sugar Grove Senior Living retirement community.

Hickman, 94, resides in the three-story facility at 119 W. Galena Blvd, which offers affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments. The community has been open for a little more than a year now, and has been so popular that all of its apartments are occupied.

“It has been a smooth transition over the past year," said Kristi Smith, leasing consultant. "It’s actually been [open] about 16 months now but not everyone has been here that long. It’s a great facility and things are going well. I’m happy because the residents are happy.”

That includes Hickman who relocated from Kansas to be closer to her daughter who lives in neighboring Aurora.

“I love it here,” Hickman said. “I have a nice place to live and the people are wonderful. They care about you and get you involved in activities. I am so happy that God has blessed me so much.”

Ed Latimer was living in Batavia but was having a difficult time paying for his apartment. When he learned about Sugar Grove Senior Living, the 88-year-old said he jumped on the opportunity – knowing that he could afford it and that it would make his life easier.

“It’s been a nice transition here for me,” Latimer said. “It’s kind of funny thinking back. I was born in Los Angeles but have been here since 1947, so this whole area has been my home for most of my life. This is a nice place and I’m surrounded by nice people. I’m happy to be here.”

Pat Rusnak moved from northern Wisconsin after her husband passed away. Both were originally from the Orland Park and Palos Park area.

She has a two-bedroom apartment at Sugar Grove Senior Living. As an accomplished artist, she uses one of the bedrooms to do her painting. Her work is available for purchase locally at The Modest Coffee Café in the Sugar Grove Public Library.

“I thought it would be more comforting after my husband passed to be closer to family and my daughter lives in Bliss Woods,” Rusnak said. “I’ve got the extra room to do my painting and have nice views here with the three big windows.”

Diane Holec found herself on a waiting list for about three years for affordable housing. When the opportunity arose for her to move to Sugar Grove, she was ready.

“I’ve been very happy with living here. I have a nice apartment,” she said. “Of course, I wish it could’ve happened sooner, but I’m happy that it finally happened.”