VILLAGE MEMBER STORIES

Deb Masse, Durham

What brought you to the Seacoast?

My late husband and I purchased our home in Durham in 2000. We moved here from Hamilton, MA. My husband sold his business in Newbury, MA and planned to spend time working on his collection of old cars. Since we didn’t have room for his collection at our home in Hamilton, we found the perfect home in Durham with all of the room that he needed. 

What is your professional experience?

I still work full-time. I’ve been in the self funded group health insurance business for almost my whole career. I work with employers who self fund their group health claims.

What are some of your interests? 

I've been so lucky to have great opportunities to travel both in my career and personally. I’ve been to 45 states, quite a few places in Europe, Honk Kong,  Australia and New Zealand. My favorite destination had to be the cruise that we took to Alaska. It was such a dream of mine to go there and I loved every minute of it!

How does the Village fit into your long-term plans?

I was looking in Google to see if I could find a local walking group when the Village website came up! I had no idea that anything like this existed. My husband and I used to walk quite a bit and then covid hit, my husband passed and I got away from it. I stay on track much better with someone to motivate me so I thought a group would be perfect. I have relatives in Brooksby Village and just can’t ever imagine living that way. I feel like it really has aged them. I love the idea of a network of seniors supporting each other.

You are helping to build the Village by serving on the Program and Events team. Tell us what motivated you to join that team? 

I was willing to get involved with any team that could use my help. I have only attended one meeting so far but there is another coming up soon and I’m really looking forward to getting more involved.

What would you say to a friend considering Village membership?

I would completely encourage them. The Village is only going to be, for each individual, whatever they let it be, especially if they are willing to get involved. I think that joining something like the Village without knowing anyone can be hard so as I find people who are interested I would encourage them to join me in attending some events so they don’t shy away from going to them alone. In fact, I have a neighbor who is away for the winter who I have already talked about the Village to and she is interested in learning more once she returns. 

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