When Pam Dieters moved to Marian Village two years ago, she brought more than boxes of belongings into her new cottage home; she brought with her a lifelong love of food, family, and community.
Pam’s passion for cooking began decades earlier, when she was raising six children and looking for a way to stay busy at home. From her small kitchen, she launched a catering business, preparing hors d’oeuvres and desserts for weddings, parties, and neighbors. “I’m not sure I made a lot of money,” she laughs, “but it kept me busy and it brought people together.”
That spirit of sharing continues at Marian Village, where Pam has quickly become known for her sweets. Her espresso chocolate chip meringues are a particular favorite. She once taught a class for fellow residents, demonstrating the recipe step by step. Expecting only a handful of participants, staff were surprised when more than 25 people crowded into the room. “It was wonderful,” Pam recalls. “I didn’t know many people then, so it was a great way to meet neighbors, and they all loved the cookies!”
Beyond baking, Pam has found other ways to give back. Each year, she donates baked goods for Marian Village’s craft fair, raising funds for local charities. She serves on committees, attends enrichment programs, and, of course, never forgets to bring a tray of treats. “People joke that they want to be on my committee because they know I’ll bring something sweet,” she says with a smile.
For Pam, food is more than sustenance, it’s a way of showing love. It’s a tradition that runs in her family, from her grandmother’s bustling South Chicago kitchen to her own table surrounded by children and grandchildren. “You always knew you had a seat at my grandmother’s house,” she says. “I like to think I carry that forward.”
Her story is just one example of how Marian Village encourages residents to live joyfully. “For some residents, being able to continue their passions brings them joy,” says Ailish Doherty, Director of Marketing and Sales at Marian Village. “We have a resident who enjoys making stained glass art and has created nameplates for team members. Others lead book clubs, tutor children, or volunteer in the community. Some even teach their neighbors new skills like Mahjong, pickleball, or Quirkle. It’s amazing to see residents encourage each other to keep learning and growing.”
Ailish emphasizes that life at Marian Village is not about slowing down; it’s about removing the difficult pieces of daily life so residents can focus on what brings them happiness. “Moving to a community does not mean life is ending,” she says. “It reminds them that life is still worth living.”
From Pam’s beloved baking to the 101-year-old seamstress who still creates items for the craft fair, Marian Village is a place where residents find common ground, build friendships, and celebrate the joy of continuing passions. “Pam’s baking brings people together,” Ailish adds. “It gives people a way to connect casually—and it reminds us all that age is nothing but a number.”
For Pam, Marian Village isn’t just home, it’s a community where her gifts are celebrated and her life remains full of purpose. With a whisk in her hand and neighbors by her side, she is living proof that life here is, quite literally, a little sweeter.