Stories & Success
We’re inspired by the lives of our residents and patients.
MARY SCHUMACHER
Fun-loving, outgoing, active
Mary moved from a Crystal Lake assisted living community to Crystal Pines three years ago to be closer to her children – who chose this community for her. Friends and family describe Mary Schumacher as fun-loving, outgoing, active and a happy person.
While Mary loves the food at Crystal Pines, she is more than grateful that everyone in the community is genuinely nice – from the residents to the staff. She appreciates the quality care the staff provides and how they make every single day special. She has many friends among the residents and says they all treat each other with respect. Mary was formerly the president of the Resident Council at Crystal Pines.
Mary has lived in Chicago when she was younger. After getting married, she settled in Madinah, Illinois. Years later, her daughter who lived in Crystal Lake decided to find her the best and the closest community.
In her younger years, Mary used to love to go to the beach – Montrose Beach was her favorite. She liked hanging out with friends and staying outdoors, or simply sitting in the backyard relaxing. The best relaxation for her is having family picnics and bonding.
Her careers have included being a Certified Nursing Assistant in Elmhurst, Illinois. She then moved up to be the head cook at Alexian Brothers Hospital for many years. She understands what quality care is all about. When she retired, Mary and her husband performed significant roles in their church as volunteers. The most memorable experience was when they traveled to Alaska for an outreach mission.
She considers raising her children and taking a part in what they have become as her greatest accomplishment in life.
STEPHEN HAASE
Cubs fan, likes people, loves music.
Stephen Haase is willing to go the extra mile to help friends in need. Always generous and nice to all of his friends and family, his niece Courtney says, “He’s the kindest person I have ever known!”
A longtime resident of Rolling Meadows, Illinois, he checked out other senior living communities before his brother and sister recommended Crystal Pines. Our community was closer to where his family resides. After settling in 14 months ago, now the resident says he’s happy here and likes the people, the staff and especially the therapy team. He says, “They are wonderful.” He loves the food and appreciates his room because he has a window view. He is always grateful to everyone and even sent a card of appreciation which is featured on our Younite bulletin board. He appreciates the fact that everyone goes out of their way to assist him.
In addition to participating in activities related to music, Stephen is an avid Chicago Cubs fan and overall baseball enthusiast. His past hobbies include playing baseball. Before he moved to Crystal Pines, he enjoyed traveling and bowling with his niece Courtney.
Stephen worked with autistic patients for three years and his dream was to have a career in social work. Before he came to Crystal Pines he also worked as a retail clerk. He is proudest of raising his niece and also wants the world to know that he lived to see the Cubs win the World Series!
Maryann Restelli
Maryann Restelli has lived at Crystal Pines for one year. Before retirement, Maryann was a cook at another senior living community. So when choosing a community, she and her family looked at several places.
“Crystal Pines was nice and clean, it smelled like home. Since living here I have made friends with many residents, and visit in their rooms, attend activities together, too. I’ve also made friends with many staff members, housekeeping, dietary, maintenance, everyone,” Maryann said.
Maryann loves to try new things including games and activities where residents can chit chat, or color. Maryann is close with her family and sees them quite often. She has three adult kids and six grandchildren. She is truly a loving people person!
“I have had family go through rehabilitation in the past at Crystal Pines and was quite impressed when I personally had to come in for therapy. Immediately when I came through the front doors, I noticed the upgrade. Crystal Pines doesn’t look or feel like a nursing home — the atmosphere is warm and welcoming and is odor free which is quite significant.”
– George B., Resident
