Bruce and Nancy built a life shaped by purpose, music and ministry. Bruce spent decades in chaplaincy, hospice and church relations leadership with Mercy Medical Center, Ebenezer and Fairview, walking alongside families during life’s most meaningful transitions. Nancy devoted her career to piano instruction through the Suzuki method, helping build one of the top Suzuki piano programs in the country, and training teachers across the U.S. and Canada.
When Nancy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, her independent spirit never faded. She continued teaching from her home studio for years, offering her students the same attentiveness and grace that defined her work. “She was strong and self-assured,” Bruce said. “That independence was a big part of who she was.”
Care made easier
As her disease progressed, Nancy and Bruce moved into an assisted living community where they learned about Bluestone. “We thought, why not try it?” Bruce recalled. “It seemed so convenient … to never have to go out to a doctor’s office, even in 20-below weather? Someone would simply knock on the door.”
That “someone” was Anna, a nurse practitioner who cared for Nancy over the next ten years.
“She took the time to really know us — not just her disease. The visits were relaxed, personal and so effective. I’d look at my watch and already 30 minutes had gone by, sometimes more,” he said. “This felt different than regular office visits. It was a pleasure to have the clinician come right to us.”
The difference they felt wasn’t just medical; it was deeply emotional as well.
“There’s a lot wrong with our health care system — too much paperwork, not enough time,” Bruce reflected. “Bluestone was the opposite. It was teamwork at every level, between Anna, our community’s team, and us. I could keep working and still care for Nancy without being totally consumed by caregiving.”
Compassionate support
As Nancy’s care needs grew, her team expanded to include Colleen, a Behavioral Health Care Manager who Anna referred to after noticing how difficult wheelchair transfers had become. “Nancy was strong and independent, and when our community’s team members tried to help her transfer, she’d pull her arms back and resist. It wasn’t easy for anyone,” Bruce recalled.
For several months, Colleen came to their apartment to connect and observe and coached the community staff on gentler, more effective ways to support the transfers. “It felt like a luxury to have that kind of support,” Bruce said. “She helped everyone see Nancy’s needs in a new way — with patience and creativity. It changed how people approached her.”
Teamwork that brings peace of mind
At every stage of Nancy’s journey, the Bluestone team and the community staff worked together seamlessly. “If Anna needed extra consultation, it happened,” Bruce said. “The beauty of the model is the teamwork, a ‘team of teams’ bringing everything right to you. You know they’re competent, connected and truly care.”
Nancy passed away in 2023 with the same strength and dignity she lived by, surrounded by music, faith, and the people who knew her best. Looking back on their ten years with Bluestone, Bruce shared, “It was such a positive experience. Bluestone gave us not just great care, but the luxury of time.”