The Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy along with residents and staff recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of Villa Raffaella Assisted Living, located in Pleasantville and operated by the sisters.
In previous years, this day was well attended by family and friends, marked with festivities, including a Miss Villa pageant, followed by a barbecue and entertainment. Due to COVID-19, this year’s 20th anniversary celebration needed to be cancelled, but the occasion was recognized nonetheless.
On July 27, residents, sisters and staff sat six feet apart and wore masks for a brief ceremony to honor the occasion. They shared grateful prayer led by Msgr. Michael Coyne, and words of reflection on the past 20 years by Sister Rani Gnanapragasam, administrator.
Dorothy Dougherty, age 96, was crowned Miss Villa 2020, following a vote by her fellow residents.
The celebration concluded with Robert Perot and Lillian Tortello, who have both lived at Villa Raffaella for the past 20 years, joining Mother Eletta Felli, who spearheaded the construction and opening of Villa Raffaella, in cutting the celebration cake.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
