April 21, 2005

Changes at Le Mirador

Esteemed community manager Marjorie Stiles leaves senior center

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Shakespeare said parting is such sweet sorrow. No truer words were spoken at the farewell Le Mirador residents gave Marjorie Stiles this past week.

Thirteen-year-old daughter Jessie Newman with mom Marjorie Stiles. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

Stiles worked as community manager for the past three years at Le Mirador Independent Living for Seniors. But the vivacious blonde was more than that to the adults who live at the apartments. She and daughter 13-year-old Jessie Newman were considered kin.

“I hate to leave,” said Stiles holding back frequent tears at the event. “They are like family to me. They helped me raise my daughter. My little girl grew up here and they were all like grandparents to her, nurturing and spoiling her.”

Stiles, her daughter and canine Gracie lived at the complex and managed Le Mirador. Not only that, she supported Almaden community shopping and service establishments, even though the family recently moved to Gilroy.

The seniors each brought a specialty potluck dish to the festivity. Ravioli, tacos, beet salad, shrimp rolls and other carefully crafted entrees were prepared with love. They carefully set a special table for Stiles and Jessie at the front of the room. Gifts of flowers, balloons and gaily wrapped gifts were displayed. Stiles was the guest of honor and would be missed.

Resident Helen Fox gives Jessie and Marjorie a heartfelt hug.

“We hate to lose her,” said Le Mirador’s gerontology specialist Doris Massa, who helped organize the event. “She’s done a wonderful job here. One thing I will really miss is her quick wit. She really lightened things up. We will miss her.”

After lunch, many residents spoke of what Stiles meant to them and wished her well in her future endeavor of managing three senior independent living apartments in east San Jose.

“I hope you meet good people who love you and respect you for all the good things you do for others,” said Blanca Cueno in a prepared speech. “God bless you and good luck to you.”

Resident Helen Fox remembered the day she first saw Stiles at Le Mirador.

“Marjorie was wearing short shorts and had the most beautiful tan,” said Fox. “She was planting flowers and all the guys were watching. We became very good friends.”

The potluck featured many ethnic specialties. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

The accolades continued with tears and hugs.

“You became everyone’s mom here,” said resident Star Baker, who helped organize the event. “Even though we’re a little older than you.”

Sharlene Twiggs created a memory book full of photos and remembrances from the multi-cultured residents of Le Mirador and so that “you’ll always be a part of us.”

“You will be remembered in our hearts forever,” said Twiggs. “I can’t thank you enough for your love.”

With few dry eyes in the room, Stiles and daughter thanked the residents of Le Mirador.

“It’s really hit me today that I will not be with you anymore,” said Stiles. “Jessie and I love every single one of you. It will be difficult not having you in our lives every day.”