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A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Nancy Detterline

A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Nancy Detterline

Nancy Detterline makes quilts and collects supplies for the needy. She does it all within her apartment at Miller’s Merry Manor, an assisted living center in Hobart. She was born and raised in Hobart, moved around the country, but returned to her hometown when her husband of 36 years passed away.

“My goal is to inspire other seniors,” Detterline said. “I want them to know, that even if you are in assisted living, you can still be active and productive, if you choose to be.”

When Detterline was a little girl, her grandmother taught her how to sew. She enjoys using her skills to make quilts and donate them to local homeless shelters, especially in the cold months of winter. Not only does Detterline supply bedding, she collects essential personal items as well.

Detterline shared that she has donated to a lot of different shelters, but her current donations are for the Bakery House shelters. She chose this organization when she learned they are in need of bedding, and that they recently added a woman’s shelter.

For Detterline, her efforts prove that life does not end at assisted living centers. Detterline, as a previous assisted living receptionist, has witnessed many seniors distraught about their health and age.

“I’ve seen people make the move to assisted living, and they just sit there and stare, and talk about how they used to paint, or draw, or sketch. And I always ask, ‘Why aren’t you doing it now?’ Their response is ‘I’m here.’”

According to Detterline, she has had her share of obstacles to overcome and understands why health problems hinders people from doing what they love. She beat cancer twice, has implants in her eyes, has had heart surgery to replace an aortic valve and has both knees replaced. She attributed her recovery to her positive attitude.

“When I had open heart surgery, I sat around for days because I hurt so bad. Then I thought, I can sit here and cry and hurt forever, or I could move around and hurt and get well,” Detterline said. “So, I made myself move, even if I cried.”

Detterline encourages seniors to do what they love and not worry if it is perfect. She admits that when she uses scissors or tie a knot, she takes a break because her fingers hurt. She passes the time with another activity like bingo or bunko, until she is ready to continue.

“I want people to see that even if you have health issues, that you can do something. Everyone has a small talent. I’ve had people tell me, ‘I feel useless, I wish I could die,’ or ‘I’m just taking up space.’ And I like to encourage them to do something. If they have a beautiful voice, there are people here who can’t read. Read the paper to them.”

Detterline relayed that making quilts for the homeless gives her a good feeling and sense of purpose. She was raised to have gratitude and a giving spirit.

“My father was a carpenter and he didn’t work much in the winter. My neighbors and family always made sure that we had a nice Christmas,” Detterline said. “My mother told me during the Great Depression, there were times that there was no money for anything and she improvised and washed clothes with wallpaper cleaner. She said, when you have eight children you do what you have to do.”

Detterline shared that her experiences as a child instilled in her the importance of giving. She also learned to never give up.

“There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone has a different talent, and if seniors find themselves unhappy, it’s good to use those talents. Do the best you can do!”