Building community for the future: Mary Ellen’s lasting gift

Spring Lake Village resident Mary Ellen Heising’s life has been filled with service, resilience and a deep appreciation for community. Now, with her decision to make an estate gift to Spring Lake Village through Front Porch Communities Foundation, she’s planning a legacy that will support her cherished community for generations to come.

Mary Ellen’s journey to Spring Lake Village began after the passing of her husband in 2016. At the time, she was living in San Jose while her two daughters had settled in Santa Rosa. The idea of moving closer to her family and simplifying her life by selling her home felt right. “I thought, ‘Maybe I should look at retirement communities near my daughters,’” she recalled. When they found Spring Lake Village, she knew it was something special. “The people were so friendly, and it offered all the things I wanted,” she shared. She loved the down-to-earth feel of the community, the chance to walk outside her door and be surrounded by nature and the cottage that was perfectly situated for her needs.

This move marked a new chapter in Mary Ellen’s life. She embraced the opportunity to reinvent herself as a widow, saying, “I was ready for change. It won’t get any easier, so let’s make the change now.” Moving to Spring Lake Village, she discovered, was a “no-brainer,” a choice that has brought her both peace and joy.

Growing up in a small town in North Dakota, Mary Ellen learned early on the value of community and hard work. She attended college in Iowa, where she met her husband, and together they lived in various regions of the country, eventually settling in California. When her children were grown, she pursued a master’s degree and became the first executive director of the Food Bank of Santa Clara County, helping to start what would become a national network of food banks. “We had no idea then just how significant this work would be,” she reflected. This experience shaped her as a visionary leader and gave her lifelong friends who shared her passion for helping others.

At Spring Lake Village, Mary Ellen has continued her commitment to community. She’s served on the Front Porch Board of Directors for the last three years, led the SLV Resident Council, and served on various SLV committees, including those for conservation and emergency evacuation. “It’s important to keep your mind alive and be involved,” she says, and she appreciates how residents at Spring Lake Village contribute so much to the community. “Everyone here is a potential friend. There’s a wonderful sense of community, and I’ve made friends that feel like family.”

When it came time to update her estate plan, Mary Ellen felt strongly about including a gift to the Foundation for Spring Lake Village’s Circle of Friends resident assistance fund. “Retirement needs have changed so much with inflation and the rising cost of living,” she noted. She has a deep respect for the Circle of Friends fund, which offers financial support to residents who outlive their resources. “I can’t imagine anything worse than having to leave your home late in life due to financial challenges outside of your control. This fund is a safety net, ensuring that people can stay in the community they love. That’s something I want to support for others.”

Mary Ellen hopes her decision will inspire others to consider leaving their own legacy. “We are a community, and as part of that community, we help and look after each other. What better way to enhance our sense of connection than to leave something behind for those who come after us?” she said.

Mary Ellen’s estate gift is a testament to the values she has lived by — compassion, generosity and a commitment to strengthening the communities she loves. Through her legacy, she’s helping to ensure that Spring Lake Village remains a vibrant, welcoming home for generations of residents to come.

Originally published in the Winter 2025 edition of Community Matters