Who is Nana?

Virginia, or more commonly known as ‘Nana’ was born in a small town in New Hampshire in 1932. Nana grew up in Danbury, New Hampshire where she lived with her mother, father, and three siblings. Her mother stayed home and cared for all four children while her father worked as a lumberjack. When Nana was young, her dad brought the family to Bridgewater, Massachusetts where he became a herdsman. This is where Nana’s love for animals began. She helped her mother and siblings care for the cattle, horses, and more. Nana later graduated from Bridgewater High School where she met Nelson. Virginia and Nelson would go on to get married and have two daughters, Carol and Patricia. Within time, Patricia had her first daughter, Melissa. Nana’s presence was essential throughout Melissa’s childhood. Many moons later, the roles have reversed. 

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In 2014, Virginia’s second husband, Paul, became ill with Lewy Body Dementia. The disease rapidly took over, causing him to be unable to care for himself. This led Nana Banana to stay at Melissa’s apartment for a weekend while Paul was being cared for. Before they knew it, that one weekend sleepover turned into a permanent living situation for Nana. Less than two years later, Melissa had a house built to accommodate her new roommate, which featured a section of the house that is dedicated to Nana. Nana’s “apartment” was designed to be handicap accessible so Melissa and Craig can properly care for Nana and her needs.

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Nana’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia has brought many hardships to her and her loved ones. Though she may forget someone’s name, whether or not she ate breakfast, or the correct details to a story she’s telling, if there is one thing that is for sure, Nana's quick wit and playful demeanor will always remain.