Mother of two daughters, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister. Faithful caregiver. Sweet and outgoing. A big, big heart. A college-educated textile machine operator and seamstress. A descendant of slaves whose heritage included living on her family’s property acquired post-emancipation by her great-great-grandmother in Troutman, North Carolina.

An A-student and athlete, Brenda would have been her family’s fourth high school valedictorian had it not been for segregation in the 1960s that redrew district lines and sent her to a new school in her senior year. Brenda Rucker is all of these things and so much more.

A resident of Heath House, a DePaul Senior Living Community in Lincolnton, North Carolina, for one year, Brenda found herself in compromised health after caring for family members and neglecting herself. It became apparent she would benefit from the care and services provided in assisted living. Her daughter, Sahara Hamilton, lived in Lincolnton and arranged for Brenda to become a part of the Heath House community.

“My mother is the go-to person in our family,” said Sahara. “She was the caregiver for many including two of her siblings, her children, her sister’s children. She always worked as a seamstress and growing up she trained us to be strong and independent. We had routines and we always ate together as a family. We are very close but when you are not doing things for yourself, you can’t do them for others.”

Initially, Brenda did not embrace the idea of moving from her home in Troutman to Heath House but she recognized over time that it would allow her to grow and heal.

“My mother never went to a doctor and didn’t care for herself. By being at DePaul, my mom could receive the quality of life that she didn’t have before she came to DePaul,” said Sahara. “I am so pleased. I’m really ecstatic. She’s gained rapport with everyone. There is a huge change. I am getting to see my mom loving and living life again in a way she hadn’t because of the care she’s getting. My sister also really just wished to see mom live and thrive.”

The former member of a social club, the “Owls and the Owlets,” where she was once active, Brenda was even crowned Valentine Queen at Heath House where she’s the belle of the proverbial ball. She’s setting goals and maintaining them, enjoying reading, coloring, word puzzles, television, music, sewing and making friends. “Heath House is a good experience if you want to progress and see yourself as a different individual,” Brenda said.

“I wouldn’t make any other choice but where she’s at,” added Sahara.