This past Sunday, we celebrated Grandparents Day — a moment to honor the wisdom, love, and quiet strength of those who helped shape our families. Too often, we take for granted the steady presence of grandparents, but their time with us is precious. They hold the stories of where we come from, and their influence lives on through generations.
At Peace Care, we see this truth every day. As the only faith-based skilled nursing communities in HudsonCounty, Peace Care St. Joseph’s and Peace Care St. Ann’s provide a home to nearly 200 residents who require round-the-clock care. Guided by the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, our work is about more than medical care — it is about honoring the dignity of every person, celebrating their stories, and ensuring they continue to feel cherished and connected.
Grandparents Day reflects those same values. It reminds us to slow down, to spend time with the people who raised us, and to recognize how much their presence means. That is why Peace Care celebrates the holiday by lifting up others in the community who share this commitment to caring for and honoring older adults.
This year, we proudly recognize three honorees at our annual Visionary Awards. Kim Correro and Margaret Horan of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey transformed our Healing Garden into a sanctuary not only for residents and families but also for birds, butterflies, and pollinators. Their dedication has turned a small patch of land into a thriving, restorative space in the middle of Journal Square.
We also honor Sean Connors, a lifelong Jersey City resident whose ties to Peace Care go back to his teenage years. From working at St. Ann’s as a young man to returning regularly to celebrate residents’ birthdays and holidays, Sean has embodied a life of service to his community. His generosity and compassion reflect the heart of what Grandparents Day is all about — showing up for those who paved the way for us.
As we recognize Kim, Margaret, and Sean, we are reminded that Grandparents Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a call to action: to visit, to listen, to remember, and to show our gratitude. At Peace Care, we believe those small acts of love and recognition are what sustain families and communities.
On Thursday, October 2, we invite you to join us at Maritime Parc in Liberty State Park for the VisionaryAwards. Together, we will celebrate our honorees, support Peace Care’s mission, and, most importantly, honorthe spirit of every grandparent and elder who has shaped our lives. Tickets are available atwww.peacecarenj.org.
This Grandparents Day — and every day — let’s commit to cherishing our elders, carrying forward their wisdom, and making sure they continue to feel the love and gratitude they deserve.
Originally appeared as an Op-Ed in Jersey City Times.