“Living alone is hard. But not here.”
Rena Sherman has a very contented outlook on life. “I feel like I have had a very productive, interesting life,” Rena said. “I started singing professionally at age 13. I went to college and got my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. I was a clinical social worker for 25 years at Jewish Family Services of Philadelphia, and I found it very gratifying to be able to help families and children in need. Over the years I have done volunteer work, and found ways to give back to a world that had given so much to me. I am grateful for all of it.”
Rena was born on July 27, 1927. The youngest of seven children, she grew up in Camden. She met her husband, Samuel, in synagogue. “The thing that really impressed me when we first met was that he was an excellent pianist, and was able to accompany me whenever I needed him to. We spent 62 happy years together making children and music. I was lucky to have found him.”
Rena and Samuel lived in Cherry Hill when they were first married, and then they put down roots in Moorestown, where they raised their family. “Twenty-five years in Moorestown went by in a blink,” said Rena. “My husband is 13 years older than I, and he started to worry what would happen to me if he passed before I did. We talked about moving to a senior living community, and Lions Gate was an obvious choice. We moved to Lions Gate in March 2007, and I’ve lived here for 15 years. The first five years my husband was here with me. The transition after my husband died was so much easier being at Lions Gate than if I had been living alone. I am among friends here, and my children live near enough they can visit me often. I feel very fortunate to be here.”
Rena feels very comfortable living at Lions Gate. “I love everything about the Jewish culture,” Rena said. “The language, the food, the traditions all hold meaning and memories for me. It’s wonderful living at Lions Gate with the Jewish celebrations and values.”
Rena pursues many varied interests while living at Lions Gate. “There is so much to do here,” she said. “I’m a reader, so I definitely make book club a priority. I go to classes and concerts frequently. I also play cards, Scrabble, and Rumikub. I like that I can be as busy or as relaxed as I want to be here.”
Rena is one of the original residents at Lions Gate, and even after 15 years in the community she’s still as passionate as ever in her praise. “Moving to Lions Gate was the best decision I ever made,” said Rena. “The people are very nice. The dining room offers plenty of good choices on their menu. I love all the activities. Life is just easier and very enjoyable here.”