Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

The Pinecone | September 2020 • 3 • New Resident Bios written by resident, Peggy Gatlin welcome to 3535 Kirby Road • Memphis, TN 38115 Carolyn Schwam moved to Kirby Pines from her former home in Bartlett, Tennessee. She is close to a lifetime Memphian, moving to Memphis when she was six from her birthplace of Kosciusko, Mississippi. Themother of three and the grandmother to six. She has had the joy of seeing her three children graduate from college. After her schooling, Carolyn worked for the United States Government as a clerk for 20 years. Traveling and reading are two of Carolyn’s favorite pastimes. Her favorite destination was Alaska. She also traveled to Europe twice, England, France, Switzerland, Nova Scotia, other locations in Canada, and the Rockies. The Book Baggers will be a good group for her to join so she can share and continue her love of reading. You will want to find Carolyn soon and get acquainted with her. This friendly cheerful lady is a wonderful addition to our retirement community. Invite her to join in our delightful Life Enhancement activities such as Bridge and gardening. We are elated she chose Kirby Pines’ Retirement Community for her home, she is a good fit. Carolyn Schwam Mary Nell Easum Mary Nell Easum was born right here in Memphis, Tennessee. She attended Blue Mountain College in Blue Moun- tain, Mississippi, graduating in 1962 with a Bachelors Degree in history. After college, she was hired as a sec- retary at Memphis University School and also taught typing. She worked 52 years for MUS, ending up as Registrar. During her time there, she received the Jean Barber Hale Award for Outstand- ing Service. Mary Nell enjoys reading and the pia- no. Over the years she has had dogs and cats, but is down to just two cats. Her love of reading is remembered by one Christmas where she received a book- case with a shelf containing Anne of Green Gables and Lassie books. Mary Nell stays active doing Tai Chi, and before Covid, worked in her church office 4 hours a week. She also is a member of a handbell choir. She is well traveled thanks to a college friend who worked for an airline. She has been to Tokyo, London, Victoria BC, Maui and Kauai. Her friends would describe her as de- pendable, dedicated, loyal and helpful. These traits sound like a perfect fit for our retirement community. So please give a big Kirby Welcome to Mary Nell and make her feel right at home. Marty & Janie Kocman Marty and Janie Kocman both were born in Indiana - Hammond andMunster - and come to Kirby Pines from their home in Bartlett, Tennessee. This December, the couple proudly celebrates their 50th wedding anniversary. The Kocmans attended Indiana Univer- sity, Marty earned his Bachelors in Mu- sic Education and his Masters in Flute Performance. Janie's Bachelor is in Ed- ucation and her Masters in Communica- tion. They both became educators with Marty the Director of Instrumental Mu- sic and Janie taught Family Consumer Science. They both enjoy gardening, with Janie collecting miniatures, Santas and teddy bears. Marty builds and flies radio con- trolled model airplanes, as well as col- lects stamps and antique flutes. They have traveled throughout the US, Canada, Japan, Central America, Aus- tralia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, Turkey, Norway, England and the French Riviera. They stay active by walking, working out at the gym, gardening and water aer- obics. Sounds like this busy couple will enjoy life at Kirby Pines and all the entertain- ment and activities available. Make sure you introduce yourself if you haven't al- ready and make some new friends.