Poignant thanks to Fitch Home

To the editor:

On behalf of my mother Edith Lane who passed away last week at age 93, I want to thank Joyce, Kate and the staff of The Fitch Home in Melrose for making the last three years of her life comfortable and enjoyable.

The Fitch Home is a wonderful assisted-living facility. There is Ell Pond in the backyard, with the ducks, geese and swans passing by, making it a beautiful setting.

The 22 residents have an excellent quality of life there. All get up and dressed for the three full meals daily. Camaraderie exists at each of the tables. The menu is varied and the food and service are great. Each resident's birthday is recognized. Our mom was a frequent afternoon visitor in the dining room for her daily dish of ice cream.

The rooms and entertainment areas are kept spotless. The outside grounds are well taken care of. When it snows, those who have cars are quickly plowed out.

The Fitch Home is truly one of Melrose's jewels, and one of our best kept secrets too. For an elderly person who is able but needs help with their meals, their medicines, their laundry services and seeks daily activities to keep their minds sharp, it is a perfect solution.

Edith never wanted to live in a nursing home. She never had to. The Fitch Home is not a nursing home. She had her own apartment. She had frequent visitors, both family and friends an all commented on what a nice place she had.

She was happy there thanks to the staff and residents who helped make those difficult years less lonely.

The Lane family thanks all of you.

Fran Lane, on behalf of the Lane family Virgina Avenue Melrose