Lives Well-Lived: Tom and Patty’s Story of Service, Travel and Community

When Tom and Patty Ware moved into their Patio Home at Beatitudes Campus in June 2024, they brought a lifetime of experiences, adventures and a deeply ingrained commitment to service. Their story is one of resilience, adaptability and a passion for making a difference — qualities that make them an inspiring addition to the community.

A Journey Through Careers and Continents

Both Tom and Patty have taken fascinating paths through life. Patty’s professional journey began with a degree in human development from UMass Amherst. She initially worked with at-risk children but soon realized her true calling was nursing. Her career in cardiac care spanned decades until she retired in early 2006.

Tom’s career was equally dynamic. After starting as an avionics technician with the U.S. Air Force, he transitioned into education, working with special needs children. While teaching, he spent five years attending law school at night. His legal career took him back to active duty with the Air Force as an attorney, and later, he worked for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Tom and Patty’s careers took them across the country, from Texas to Louisiana to Vermont, and along the way, they raised two children who, much like their parents, have embraced change, diverse experiences and the importance of volunteering.

Throughout their lives, the Wares have learned the importance of flexibility. “We both changed careers three times and did so in many different locations,” said Tom. “While it may be easier to deal with the same things and same people, in today’s world we need to be open to dealing with others — in fact, we gain much more when we learn from other people and cultures.”

That openness has carried into their approach to aging. They see the importance of staying engaged, the benefits of volunteerism, continuing to contribute and maintaining meaningful connections.

Giving Back, One Project at a Time

For the Wares, retirement has never meant slowing down. Tom’s involvement with Habitat for Humanity has taken them around the world, including a memorable trip to Nepal, where he and Patty helped build homes for families in need. One moment, in particular, left a lasting impact on him.

“During the first week, one of the women cut her foot. I used my white handkerchief to clean and dry it, then tossed it in the trash. At the end of the two weeks, the families gave each volunteer small, beautiful flowers made from pipe cleaners — except for me. They had taken my dirty, bloodied handkerchief out of the trash, cleaned it and embroidered it with flowers and the inscription: ‘My Nepal, Pokhara.’”

Their dedication to service and volunteering for seniors extends beyond international projects. While living in Vermont, Tom helped open the Habitat Restore and spent years collecting donations. Patty, deeply moved by the disparities she witnessed during their travels to Nepal, Peru and Bolivia, has become a steadfast supporter of food banks, both at Beatitudes Campus and in the broader community.

“We’re blessed with reasonably good health and finances, and it is important to share those resources and our time to help make a better world,” Patty said.

Finding a True Community at Beatitudes Campus

Despite their many adventures, the Wares recognize the health benefits of volunteering and importance of belonging. That’s what drew them to Beatitudes Campus.

“Especially since COVID, we notice that when walking around town outside of Beatitudes Campus, so many people are either looking at their phones or avoiding eye contact,” said Tom. “At Beatitudes Campus, people make connections. They stop and say hello. They make eye contact. It truly is a special community where people want to engage with others, regardless of race, gender, religion, politics or health conditions.”

They’ve embraced the community’s active lifestyle, participating in exercise classes, excursions and social gatherings. For them, aging isn’t about slowing down — it’s about making the most of their time and continuing to give back.

Finding Purpose and Connection

Many seniors worry about staying socially active as they age, but the Wares offer this simple advice: Watch less television, get up and get out of your house.

“Greet people and their pets as you walk around the community,” Tom said. “There is great need in today’s world, but the one thing we can do regardless of our finances is give our time and attention to others.”

Tom’s commitment to making a difference extends to the students he encourages to donate blood and volunteer at blood drives. Now in his 49th year as an adjunct professor, he teaches at Vermont State University, where many of his students are the first in their families to attend college. “Having been the first and only person in my family to attend college, I’m constantly reminded of how I can help people attain success in college.”

Lives Well-Lived, Legacies of Kindness

For Tom and Patty, a life well-lived is one filled with purpose, kindness and connection. Their global experiences have only reinforced what they’ve always known: “Even with diverse backgrounds, locations and cultures, we have more in common with other people than we have in differences.”

Reflecting on his years of service, Tom remembers being inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s words: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.’ That sentiment has shaped his life, leading him to serve in the military, government and countless volunteer projects.

Added Patty, “If we could share one piece of advice with future generations, it would be this: Be kind to others, even if they do not appreciate it — you will feel better about yourself.”

With their unwavering commitment to service and connection, Tom and Patty exemplify the spirit of Beatitudes Campus. Their story is a testament to the idea that no matter where life takes you, the greatest benefits to volunteering come from giving back, staying engaged and embracing the community around you.

Hear from other Beatitudes Campus residents who fill their days with passion and purpose.