Gold Standard of Optimal Aging Award Honorees
Musa Abdelkarim, 85
Musa worked as chef in Sudan before fleeing to a UNHCR Refugee Camp in Egypt. Since arriving in Kentucky in 2011, he has been an active participant in the Services to Older Refugee ESL program, attending class every Tuesday and Thursday, and obtained his citizenship in 2017. He resettled in Kentucky alone, acclimating to U.S. culture by himself before his son joined him in 2023. Together they love to explore the city and visit the mosque and Alwatan Bakery.
Veronica Bennett, 90
Veronica was born in Detroit, MI where she grew up until she married at 19 and became a mother of five. She worked at a telephone company until retiring to care for her husband. Though she has outlived many of her loved ones, she has remained sweet and kind to all.
Joan Blake, 95
Joan is a beloved granny who has been through and done a lot in her lifetime. She lived through at least two epidemics, suffered through the Great Depression, outlived many relatives and friends, and watched four generations grow and turn into a fifth generation. She has worked while also holding down a household, nursed the sick and cheered on the successes of family members. Through all that life has thrown at her, she has learned that love conquers all.
Alice Ramer Rice Bratcher, 87
Alice is a lifelong learner and community advocate. She attended Centre College and the University of Louisville, where she met her husband, Dale Bratcher, a civil engineer and professional artist. Together, they were founding members of the Kentucky Watercolor Society, and Alice served as editor of their newsletter for seven years. After Dale's passing in 2015, Alice honored his memory by supporting causes close to their hearts, including scholarships at the University of Louisville and donations to Centre College.
Alice remains actively engaged in Southeast Christian Church and the John Marshall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She embraces technology, staying connected through computers and social media. Passionate about genealogy, she conducts research for friends and family. Alice regularly attends UofL events, plays bridge, travels, and participates in widow groups and Bible Study.
Ruth Brown, 97
Ruth has served in our military, been a housewife, and mother of five children. She has worked in public schools as an assistant and for organizations in Louisville like Goodwill and Catholic Charities.
In her sixties, Ruth returned to school and earned a degree in early childhood education. She applied that knowledge and became a beloved employee at a local day care. She was also a foster granny at Hazelwood for many years. When most people are thinking about slowing down, Ruth has continued to be active and engaged in her community, including exercise at her residence, dancing ballroom and tango, and attending courses at Bellarmine college. She will always claim she is just an ordinary woman. But she is a prime example of turning ordinary aging into something truly extraordinary. And she can still touch her toes!
Sue Brummal, 86
Sue grew up in rural western Kentucky, learning homemaking and farm life skills from her family. After graduating high school, she met Jim Brummal, and they married in 1959. They moved around the country following Jim’s job—to Gary, IN, Long Beach, CA, Memphis, TN and then back home to Kentucky. Through these moves, she held many roles—apartment manager, office worker and postmaster. She also became a mother to twin daughters and a son.
After retirement, she became much more involved in community service. She joined the local women’s club and volunteered at the museum. At her church, she worked with the children’s Quest and contributed to various events and church meals. She continues singing in choir and helping as she can at church and volunteering for the museum. She enjoys socializing with friends in her canasta group and in activities at her Senior Citizens center.
Marleen Buckler, 86
Marleen is known for her zest for life and good humor, and for not letting age limit her ability to do good. Since her retirement, she has volunteered for various organizations, such as the Senior Center of Bardstown, the Bread for Life Community Pantry and the St. Vincent De Paul outreach ministries. She takes her commitment to volunteering very seriously and often laments having to take any days off, which isn’t often.
She is an active member of the Nazareth Villages, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity. She is known to make baked goods for the staff and other retirees, and sometimes takes other residents to the grocery store, runs errands for them, or offers to drive them to the Community Pantry and the Feeding America Food Distribution giveaway at the Bardstown Fairgrounds.
She is also very interested in staying abreast of new technology and often impresses family and friends with how tech savvy she has been.
Al Cassidy, 94
Al, a devout Catholic, worked in the development department at St. Meinrad Seminary for almost 20 years and has, until recently, taught many RCIA classes for Catholic converts. He stays engaged by reading books and magazines, texting his grandchildren, and receiving visits from monks who’ve stayed in touch.
Gloriael Charles, 85
Gloriael raised four sons and worked as a driver for the city’s accessible bus. After her first son was born deaf, she embraced the community’s language and culture.
She is known for her advanced sewing skills, having made many Halloween costumes and her granddaughter’s wedding dress. She is also admired for her storytelling and loving encouragement. At 85, she remains sharp and healthy and lives happily with her second husband, Sonny Charles, in Pikeville.
Sharon Coleman, 95
Still driving daily and training with a professional fitness coach, Sharon's energy and dedication defy age. She has spent over 15 years making Braille Bibles for the blind and quilting blankets for children in the hospital.
A proud mother of four, grandmother to eight, and great-grandmother to fourteen, her family is her heart. She was married for 68 beautiful years and remains a strong, active pillar in her Lutheran church. Even beyond her community she’s made an impact—volunteering at Bellarmine University to assist in physical therapy classes. Her life is one of quiet service, faith, and fierce love. She doesn’t just live each day; she fills it with purpose. She reminds us all that age is only a number, and kindness and strength have no expiration date.
Claire Drucker, 89
Claire has lived a life of community service and education. In addition to her many years of dedication teaching children in the public school system, she has remained active in her golden years. Currently she serves on the World Affairs Council local chapter bringing people together to discuss and raise attention of various issues. She also meets with a Jewish Havurah group, often inviting them into her home, and is part of the Fillies, a women's discussion group.
Claire is a season subscriber and donor to the Louisville Orchestra, Kentucky Ballet, Louisville Opera, Speed Museum, Bunbury Theatre and other community fine arts groups. She was very involved with and a major supporter of the work of her late husband, Dr. Seymour Slavin, who was a professor emeritus at the UofL Kent School of Social Work.
Additionally, she takes every opportunity to keep active, walking through various neighborhoods around town and Cherokee Park and participating in neighborhood festivities. She is an inspiration to her friends, as well as many folks of younger generations.
James E. Fink, 92
James is a U.S. Air Force veteran who, after serving for 20 years, retired and went on to work for the Postal Service for 20 years and then as a Jefferson County deputy sheriff for 13. Still not feeling done, he worked for Kroger for over a decade. When he was able, he was active in his church and now serves his faith by being very involved in the Knights of Columbus.
Pearline Furguson, 89
Pearline, a retired nurse, has been a volunteer for the Louisville Metro Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) 23 years. She currently volunteers at UofL Mary & Elizabeth Hospital where she helps in various roles such as information desk, greeter and out-patient surgery clerk.
Lawrence Gettleman, DMD, MSD, 85
Dr. Gettleman continues to lead life with passion and energy. He has had a long and distinguished career in dentistry, research, dental prosthetics and rehabilitation and is an internationally acknowledged expert in dental materials. He was a professor of prosthodontics and biomaterials at the University of Louisville for over 30 years and now teaches at the University of Texas Health Science Center at the Houston School of Dentistry. He also still treats patients, remains a mentor to future dental professionals, and is a longtime supporter of the arts.
Patrick D. Harris, PhD, 85
Dr. Harris is thoughtful, engaged and energetic. He has spent over 57 years as faculty at Indiana University, University of Missouri, University of Louisville, University of Maine, and Caltech. Throughout his career, he taught medical, dental, nursing and medical resident students as well as graduate students in physiology, pharmacology, engineering and business.
He also has a prolific research career with a focus on microcirculation spanning over 40 years and consisting of hundreds of national and international refereed presentations and papers. He has also been a mentor to 62 graduate students, been the president of the Microcirculatory Society, hosted the International World Congress for Microcirculation in Louisville and has served many years on research and program review committees for NIH and the AHA.
Outside of his career, Dr. Harris is a Catholic deacon and cares for his dear wife who suffers dementia/Alzheimer’s.
Emma Hawkins-Deddens, 91
Emma is devoted to her friends, family and faith. She stays involved in her church community, attending services every week with her friend, Joy. She also loves playing bingo and watching TV with her friends and neighbors. On nice days, she can be found outside enjoying the weather on her back deck. Currently, she’s excited to be the flower girl for her great-granddaughter’s wedding.
Glenda Hodges Cook, 85
Glenda spent 50 years as a registered nurse and over 20 years working as a professional counselor emphasizing holistic healing. She also parented for 60 years, raising children in two separate families.
She’s been a highly respected Buddhist dharma teacher for 40 years, giving talks with organizations like the Louisville Vipassana Community and providing guidance, comfort and inspiration to many spiritual seekers. More recently, Glenda has led “The Transition Group,” which helps people talk about the end of life. Her goal has always been to help others to “enliven and enrich all aspects of life.”
James Paul Jenkins, 93
James was a color retoucher at Standard Gravure printing company for 20 years, a union leader for 11, and was also the mayor of Shively from 1994–2005. He was married to his wife, Alice, for 71 years before her passing and is a father of two. He is also a devout member of Lynnhurst United Church of Christ.
Bob Ivan Johnson, PhD, 91
Bob has dedicated his life to ministry, beginning at age 14 when his church appointed him as volunteer music director. After college and seminary, he became faculty at Midwestern Baptist Seminary and later relocated to Louisville in 1990 to assume the role of dean at Boyce College. He also joined Broadway Baptist Church where he continues to minister to youth and lead bible study.
Bob embraces life fully and cherishes his relationships. He frequents the Berrytown Senior Center and regularly visits family in Galveston and Fripp Island. He connects with people of all ages, including teen boys who declared him “the GOAT” after he taught them the art of thrifting. He is also a proud Kentucky Colonel.
Looking back on his life, Bob would name his 65-year marriage to his late wife, Wanda, and being a father to Jeffry, an accomplished musician, as his biggest accomplishments.
Carol Kobayashi Lee, 85
Originally from Maui, Hawaii, Carol traveled to the mountains of North Carolina to earn her teaching degree at Mars Hill College. She went on to teach for over 30 years, including at JCPS, and has written three books on teaching. In her retirement, she’s introduced Japanese culture to school kids, taught at multiple summer English programs in China, and took up porcelain painting—she even won a ribbon at the KY State Fair in 2024. In her day-to-day, she loves to garden and get her daily steps in, walking miles per day. She also loves traveling and has planned a multi-week trip to Japan this fall.
Tom Lawson, PhD, 85
Dr. Tom Lawson was born on September 10, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He holds a BS in Social Science, an MA in Social Work from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. in Social Welfare from the University of Washington.
He served 20 years as a U.S. Army officer, holding key roles including Chief of Social Work in Germany, where he pioneered drug and alcohol programs for soldiers, Director of Education at Walter Reed and Director of Graduate Medical Education for the Joint Military Medical Command. He is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the National Defense University and has received numerous honors including the Legion of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals and the Order of Military Medical Merit.
After retiring from the military in 1989, he became Director of the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville. He was instrumental in developing doctoral and social work programs at UofL, Brescia University and internationally in Russia, Hungary and China. He has presented in 19 countries, published in 11 and holds honorary degrees and titles from universities across Europe and China.
In his 70s and 80s, he led over 250 students on international academic trips, chaired 11 doctoral committees and co-authored influential books and dictionaries in social work. He received the Knight’s Cross of Hungary at age 76 and UofL’s Distinguished International Service Award at 79. He continues to serve as a senior researcher for the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and remains an active scholar into his 80s.
Beyond academia, Dr. Lawson has dedicated over 60 years to community service. He and his wife served as foster parents to medically fragile infants, and he held leadership roles with United Way, the World Affairs Council, Neighborhood House, and The Healing Place, among many others.
He remains actively involved in academic work, currently serving on a doctoral committee in Hungary and authoring new scholarly publications.
Judy Lawson, 84
Judy was born on December 17, 1940, in Sandiway, England and immigrated to the U.S. with her family in 1948 after surviving the WWII bombings. She earned a B.S. in Physical Therapy from Indiana University.
While living in Germany in the 1970s, she served as a programming consultant for Brownie Troops in Nurnberg. Back in San Antonio, she and her husband became foster parents to 17 medically fragile newborns over seven years.
She volunteered as a physical therapist at Walter Reed and Brooke Army Medical Centers, and for over 20 years, she prepared meals for ill parishioners through the Calvary Cares Committee and served on Episcopal church altar guilds.
From her 60s through her 80s, she was the archivist for the Highland Mother’s Club, secretary of the Hurricane Hills HOA and a long-time member of the Foster Care Review Board, evaluating complex child welfare cases.
Judy played an active role in Kent School’s international programs, traveling with students to six countries and, over 30 years, hosted numerous international visitors through Louisville’s Sister Cities Program, Fulbright and UofL faculty exchanges.
James McCabe, PhD, 86
Jim was a faculty member in the Department of Finance at the University of Louisville and served as department chair. Now retired, he splits time between Louisville and Glen Arbor, Michigan. In a typical week, he can be found playing tennis, pickleball or golf, or hiking, kayaking and cross-country skiing. If that weren’t enough, he has also started taking piano lessons.
Larry McCarson, 85
As a young boy, Larry was always fascinated with airplanes and aerospace. After high school he went to NC State to major in mechanical engineering and aerospace. After two years, he decided to join the navy and was accepted in the pilot program at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. However, due to health issues, his dream of becoming a pilot in the navy was not to be, and he was given an honorable discharge after a year and a half.
He then finished his last two years of college with a degree in mechanical engineering with an aerospace option. He started his career at NASA in Huntsville, AL, where he worked on the Saturn 5 rocket. He then moved on to GE Aerospace in Pennsylvania and continued his work on the Saturn 5 rocket among other aerospace projects. He finished his career at GE Appliance in Louisville, where he specialized in refrigeration.
Outside of his career, Larry has lived a full life—building his own home, playing tennis and golf, and enjoying many weekends boating and camping with his wife and three children.
Since retiring in 1999, he has enjoyed traveling and spending time with his 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was an active member of Pewee Valley Presbyterian Church, leading the Adult Sunday School for years and "stirring the pot" with difficult political and theological discussions.
Nora Marquetti, 90
Nora’s energy keeps her in great shape and good health. She loves to dance, sing and perform in artistic shows. Originally from Cuba, she moved to the U.S. with her late son, and, despite the challenges she has faced, she’s always chosen to be strong and optimistic.
Charles Miller, 85
Charles W. Miller was born in Tompkinsville, KY and attended both Lindsey Wilson and Western Kentucky Universities. He was a JCPS teacher and coach for 40 years and served as principal of Pleasure Ridge Park High School from 1978 to 2003. He also was State Representative for the 28th district from 1998 to 2023. Until his passing, he remained an active volunteer for Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing in southwest Jefferson County.
Ercilia Morales, 93
Ercilia, originally from Cuba, demonstrates that age is just a number when you want to be happy and live your life to the fullest. Loved by many, she enjoys talking and joking with her friends and maintains a youthful attitude and a pretty smile that makes her face looks even more beautiful.
Marcia Morris, 86
Marcia was an elementary school teacher for 31 years in New York. She was married to her husband, Army Captain Irving A Morris, for 28 years and is adored as ‘Aunt Marcia’ by many family members and friends. She is passionate about the arts, loves animals, cares about her neighbors and stays active in her community.
Duane Neises, 85
At 85, Duane is still active, curious and full of life. Raised on a dairy farm in South Dakota, he built a strong foundation of hard work and perseverance, later bringing those values with him to Louisville, where he started a life with his beloved wife, Mary. Duane is known for his steady spirit and willingness to take on any project—there’s nothing he can’t fix. He walks every day, stays busy with hands-on work, and brings light to those around him with his warm smile and easy laughter. Whether he's working in the garage, spending time with family, or simply enjoying the day, Duane shows that aging well is about staying engaged, being kind, and finding joy in the everyday. His life is a testament to purpose, positivity, and heart.
Acton Ostling, PhD, 89
Dr. Ostling is an Emeritus Professor at the UofL School of Music, having taught both graduate and undergraduate students. He completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music at the University of Michigan and a PhD at the University of Iowa. From 1974 to 1995, he served as conductor of the Louisville Symphony Band, and his principal performing instruments have been the trombone and euphonium.
Having had a longtime interest in historical biblical scholarship, he now teaches the Biblical Studies class at the Second Presbyterian Church. He likes to stay involved at Treyton Oak Towers, his residence home, and is always on the go.
Penny Pearson, 85
Penny is a retired RN and a beloved member of the Derby City Dragons, a dragon boat racing team for breast cancer survivors. She paddles and competes in races during the team’s on-water season and is a mentor to new team members. Out of the water, she maintains her health and energy through an active social life, regular exercise, playing bridge, traveling, and driving in style in her vintage red manual transmission car.
Mozelle Robey, 90
Mozelle is known for her zeal for life and heart of service. She has volunteered since she was 13 and says it feels good to help others. She has volunteered for many organizations including University Hospital and a nursing home and has served in the Foster Grandparent Program for over 15 years. These days she gets up every morning at 6 a.m. to walk to the YMCA, where she helps in the daycare.
Barbara Ann Scott, 89
Barbara worked for the cleaners for 25 years, Sam Meyers for 13, and now spends her time sharing her love for others. She has participated in the Foster Grandparent program for 17 years, contributing 15,000 hours of service, and currently serves at DuValle Education Center. Additionally, she has been active at Oakland Baptist Church since joining at the age of 12. For many years, she supervised junior ushers and remains on the usher board to this day.
Betty Jane (Hogan) Shumate, 88
Betty was born during the 1937 flood in Louisville, KY, and it is storied that her mother had to be taken to the hospital in a boat to give birth to her. After growing up in West Louisville and attending Shawnee High School, she married her husband, Eldridge "Junie" Shumate in 1955, and they raised three sons together. Now affectionately known as “Nana,” she is adored by her six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Betty attributes her good health to healthy eating, moderate exercise and laughing daily. Ever independent, she takes pride in handling her daily chores and driving herself. She is also an avid reader and enjoys an occassional glass of red wine.
Arthur Stead, 91
Arthur, a father of three, worked for Louisville Gas and Electric for 40 years before retiring. He began volunteering for the YMCA in 2000 until the Covid-19 pandemic happened. Now he stays busy doing chair yoga and attending the Game and Social Day at the library in Mt. Washington. He’s also open to traveling, which he does often with his daughter. He also regularly attends church and enjoys cooking dinner.
Robert L. Stenger, S.T.D, J.D, 90
Robert, a professor emeritus, taught at the University of Iowa School of Religion from 1967 to 1974 and dedicated 35 years to UofL. He taught at the Brandeis School of Law, served many years on the faculty senate, was senate chair from 1988 to 1990 and sat on the Athletic Board for two terms. He was also part of the Hospital Ethics Committee and Human Studies Committee and was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for nine years. He and his wife continue to travel, including to Alaska, Iceland and Norway just this year.
Dick Trowbridge, 91
For more than 26 years, Dick Trowbridge has been a steadfast and dedicated volunteer, providing invaluable service to families at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH). Every Thursday without fail, he has generously given his time and skills to ensure that RMH remains a safe and comfortable haven for families in need. Whether tackling essential handyman tasks or lending his expertise in nonprofit facility management and fundraising, Dick has been a pillar of support for the organization.
Dick’s dedication to service, however, extends far beyond RMH. Before joining RMH as a volunteer in 1998 upon his retirement, he spent years making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector. His work in capital campaigns helped open and expand YMCA buildings and programs across the United States, providing communities with essential resources and opportunities for growth. His extensive knowledge and experience in the nonprofit industry made him a valuable leader in fundraising efforts, allowing many organizations to thrive and expand their reach.
In addition to his work in nonprofit development, Dick also had a remarkable passion for technology. His deep knowledge and interest in computers allowed him to assist others in navigating technological advancements, ensuring they could stay connected and informed.
Further demonstrating his commitment to serving others, Dick also volunteered with AARP, assisting individuals in preparing their taxes. His efforts in this role alleviated stress for many and provided crucial guidance, embodying his unwavering spirit of generosity and support.
Dick Trowbridge’s lifelong dedication to service is an inspiration to all. His kindness, expertise, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals and families. His legacy of giving will continue to inspire those who have had the privilege of working alongside him and benefiting from his selfless contributions.
Muriel Trowbridge, 93
In the early summer of 1984, as excitement grew in Louisville, KY, over the impending opening of the first Ronald McDonald House, Muriel Trowbridge felt a calling. As a mother of three with her children grown, Muriel embraced this opportunity to give back, marking the start of her remarkable 40-year journey with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK). Now at 92, Muriel has selflessly dedicated over 6,000 hours, arriving every Thursday afternoon with unwavering commitment—even through Thanksgiving holidays—to serve families in need. Only her annual family vacation has taken her away from her volunteer shift, exemplifying a rare and deeply admired level of dedication.
Affectionately known as RMHCK’s “laundry connoisseur,” Muriel has transformed one of the House’s largest tasks into a true labor of love. Laundry is essential to creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for families, and Muriel’s meticulous, efficient, and joyful approach has been invaluable. Her attention to detail and her commitment to the work have saved the organization millions of dollars in laundry services. Beyond the speed and efficiency she brings to each load, Muriel is famous for her perfectly folded fitted sheets—a trademark skill that adds an extra touch of care to each family’s experience. Over the years, Muriel has shared her expertise with countless new volunteers, helping them learn the art of laundry with the same pride and precision she brings to the task.
Muriel’s contributions go beyond the laundry room. She has served on RMHCK’s Board of Directors and participated in numerous committees, offering her insights, compassion, and commitment to the organization’s mission. In 1998, her husband Dick joined her in her volunteer efforts, forming an inseparable and inspiring team. This year, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, a testament to their partnership and shared dedication to RMHCK.
Lou Ann Twyman, 89
Lou Ann has led her life with grace and vitality. She was married for 60 years, supporting her husband’s ministry career and providing steadfast care when his health declined. She raised three children and has been her eldest son’s devoted caregiver throughout his life.
Lou Ann is also a passionate artist and excelled at painting and pottery. She maintains impeccable posture and style, drives herself and always leaves home looking radiant. A dedicated churchgoer, she remains a cherished presence in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and church family. Her legacy of love and resilience continues to inspire all who know her.
Rosemary Viele, 86
Rosemary embodies the spirit of service and continues to make a difference each and every week at Baptist Health Louisville.
Rosemary began her volunteer journey with Baptist Health in 2002, and over the past 23 years she has generously given nearly 9,000 hours of her time. She started in Endoscopy, assisting at the front desk with check-ins, managing paperwork, and supporting patients during discharges. Her warm demeanor and steady presence made her a natural fit in patient-facing roles.
In 2007, Rosemary extended her impact by joining the Volunteer Auxiliary Board. Since then, she has served in many roles, including president and, for the past 11 years, as treasurer. Her leadership has been instrumental in the Auxiliary’s success, helping the group reach not one, but two million-dollar pledges during her time to support hospital advancements. She is currently helping steward the board’s latest pledge in support of the Child Development Center expansion.
Even while serving in this key leadership position, Rosemary has continued to volunteer in a hands-on capacity. She is a faithful participant in special projects and fundraisers, contributes to the beloved Pillow Project, and every Tuesday morning, she can be found at the Flower Desk, welcoming visitors, providing directions, and personally delivering flowers and gifts to patients.
Rosemary’s legacy of service is deeply woven into the fabric of our hospital. Her dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts have touched countless lives—patients, staff, and fellow volunteers alike.
Clara Wilder, 90
Clara is a remarkable woman whose life has been defined by selfless service to her community. At 90 years old, she continues to make a significant impact, working for the Louisville Health Department and staying deeply involved in her church. For over 30 years, she has been active within the Kosair Shriners community, where her commitment to helping others, fundraising, and travelling to children's hospitals shine through.
Known for her boundless energy and caring nature, she never slows down. She still drives, works, and thrives on social connections, inspiring everyone around her with her dedication to love, care and service. Her life has been a guiding force for her family, especially for her grandchildren, instilling in them a passion for community service and a love for others.