Blessed to Give: Creating a Legacy of Caring at Normandie Ridge
Published: December 22, 2025
When Jan and Steve Marcheski left their two-story colonial in suburban Philadelphia for a cottage at Normandie Ridge, they expected the shift to be an adjustment. To their surprise, the transition felt effortless. The warmth of the community quickly made them feel right at home, surrounded by neighbors who soon became friends.
Finding Connection and Purpose
Four years later, that welcome has only deepened. Steve has found camaraderie at community breakfasts and lunches, while he and Jan both stay engaged through chair yoga, brain health classes, and other well-being programs. “We’re busier and more connected than we ever were in our old neighborhood,” Steve shares. “There’s always something meaningful to be part of.”
For Jan, volunteering in skilled nursing has given her a window into the heart of the community. She and Steve have seen that same generosity of spirit in independent living and witnessed how residents and staff care for one another — whether it’s lending a hand when someone struggles, grieving together in times of loss, or simply checking in if a neighbor misses dinner. Experiencing that level of compassion made her realize how devastating it would be if anyone had to leave because of financial hardship.
A Gift That Lasts Beyond a Lifetime
That conviction inspired Jan and Steve to take action. Wanting to ensure that qualified residents could remain part of the community they love, they established a Benevolent Care endowment through a charitable gift annuity (CGA). For them, the choice was simple: the CGA not only provides them with a lifelong fixed income but also creates lasting support for eligible residents in need. As Steve explains, “We’ve been fortunate in our lives, and this is a way to pass that blessing forward.”
Faith has been another guiding force in their decision. As Jan reflects, giving has never felt like a sacrifice but a joy. “When you give, you gain so much in return — peace, gratitude, and the happiness of knowing you’ve helped someone else,” she says.
Through their gift, the Marcheskis are confident that their joy in giving will extend well beyond their lifetimes — helping to sustain the community they treasure for years to come.