Anne settled-in to Vista Prairie at Monarch Meadows about 12 years ago. It’s a big change of pace from the corner of Wall Street and Broadway in the heart of the financial district. That was Anne’s domain while she worked for the Bank of Tokyo in Manhattan, for most of the 27 years she lived on the East Coast. While she grew up in Mankato, Anne made the move to New York City when she was only 19.

“I just thought it’d be something better,” Anne recalls of that decision. “I’d already been to Mankato State and Mankato Commercial College.”

After a variety of work experience, she landed an office-job at the Bank of Tokyo, where she stayed for 18 years. She also found her husband out East, marrying in 1979 and settling in New Jersey. She decided to move back to Mankato after he passed away in 1993.

Back in her hometown, community volunteerism became her passion – helping build homes for Habitat for Humanity, volunteering at a local food shelf and as a driver for Vine Faith in Action. Her church and the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota are among her favorite charitable causes. And she’s a big Twins Baseball fan.

But when it came time to seek assisted living, Anne says Monarch Meadows was an easy decision, partly because it was close to where she was living. "I had reached a point where I had to make a transition from my lifestyle,” Anne recalls. “I had retired already, and I came here right after I got my first Social Security check when I was 62.”  

Clearly, the most challenging time in Anne’s Monarch years were the three dominated by COVID precautions, including the limitations on mobility. Still, she’s made some good friends during her 12 years in the community, another decision she can bank on.

Vista Prairie at Monarch Meadows offers 89 one-and-two-bedroom assisted living apartments and 11 care suites. Call Sales Manager Kim Hanson (507) 933-4681 to book a tour.