VILLAGE MEMBER STORIES
Getting to know Kathy Donovan of Stratahm, NH
How long have you lived on the Seacoast?
I grew up in Michigan, moved to Andover, Mass. during my high school years, and settled with my husband and two children in Atkinson and Plaistow for three decades. I moved to Stratham in 2012, but I had been working in Portsmouth since 1999 and became connected to the community then.
What did you do before retirement?
I worked for 15+ years in Piscataqua Savings Bank’s Trust & Investment Department as a Certified Trust & Fiduciary Advisor and Trust Officer. It was very rewarding to work closely with families as they strategized their long-term plans, and then sometimes help carry out those plans as a professional fiduciary. As a small bank, we were able to collaborate and help protect customers against identity theft and fraud - an ever-evolving concern. I especially enjoyed helping seniors and surviving spouses feel smart, safe and in control of their financial situations. Prior to that, I worked as a Trust & Estate paralegal in a couple of Portsmouth law firms, preceded by decades of working as an office manager and paralegal in general practice firms in the Merrimack Valley.
How do you view retirement?
Once I retired, I experienced a huge difference. I was used to working 60-hour weeks, going a hundred miles an hour. It was suddenly a completely different pace. I went through a thoughtful process planning for retirement over 5 years, so I was ready for it. We planned trips (Italy and Ireland were at the top of the list). I love to learn new things, so I started watercolor painting and had more time to read. With only one grandchild, I thought one and done! However, things changed quickly, and I welcomed two grandbabies with time to be an involved grandmother, enjoying regular visits to help my daughter in Maine and my son, who lives in Epping. I keep a calendar to stay focused and try to maintain connections with my network. That is not as easy when you retire.
Why did you become a Seacoast Village member?
While working with families trying to figure out aging options and what resources were available, I witnessed how Nancy Euchner was able to help them navigate the process and choose assisted living facilities if needed. When I was nearing retirement, she shared her interest in bringing the national Village concept to the Seacoast area to provide an alternative to what sometimes became premature assisted living decisions when most people just wanted to stay in their own homes and communities and not feel like a burden.
We live in an area made up of small towns and limited access to public resources, often leaving seniors on their own to make connections, access transportation and figure out what helpful options exist. I liked that each Village [across the country] was its own grassroots organization able to complement existing resources, not conflict with them. Seniors could remain in their homes, feel valued by sharing their own talents, and feel supported when asking for help or joining in social connections. Sometimes help with simple ladder chores or a ride to an appointment was all it took to provide the missing link. I became one of the founding Board members to explore local interest and need.
I enjoy bringing together prior experiences to help with back-office tasks, organizing our 501(c)(3) application and approval process, setting up the bookkeeping functions and providing the internal recordkeeping needed for a successful non-profit. It truly takes a village of volunteers with varying backgrounds and personalities to support the services and carry them out, and I have enjoyed networking and coordinating with so many talented and interesting people.
What would you tell a friend to encourage them to become a member?
Although we’ve been delayed by the pandemic, it’s provided an opportunity to better utilize technology and learn what interests and needs are shown in each community. I would say if you have talents to share, like learning new things and enjoy making connections that otherwise wouldn’t happen, join in! Feel both valued and supported with the ability to access trusted resources when needed…peace of mind.
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