Myra Spitz, 1984

Originally from Humboldt, Illinois, Mrs. Spitz lived in Urbana beginning in 1941. She was a housewife. She always had "a big garden" and she especially enjoyed the many hours she's spent as a volunteer in the Champaign County Nursing Home Auxiliary. In the early 1980s, she said she could no longer do all the things she would like - notably being able to live alone - but still enjoyed people (especially young children), singing, playing cards, and helping others more disabled than she. "Being old is nothing special!" she said at the time. "I still enjoy each day and especially if I've helped another. "I do miss being around children now. When I was younger my friends' had children. I loved them. Now I look forward to seeing my friends here and helping those I can. My only concern is that I forget a lot."

Source: Raymond Bial, There is a Season, Champaign County Nursing Home, 1984.