Phone Companions – Find Your Match!
Friendship is just a call away
Below are older adults hoping to be matched with a Phone Companion. Take your time getting to know them. When someone feels like a good fit, choose “Add to my request” — you can pick up to two, and we’ll match you with whichever is available. Once you send your request, our team takes it from there.
Marilyn D.
Location:
- Maplewood
Biography:
Marilyn was born and raised in St. Paul. Her mother, Bernice, began working as a nanny at age 16 and lived in a house on Summit Avenue. She was the hardest working woman Marilyn ever knew—cooking every meal from scratch, baking, canning, and never once serving store-bought cookies. Her father, Bernard, immigrated from Germany at 19 and worked at Hamm’s Brewery for 50 years. Marilyn was the middle of three siblings, with an older sister, Beverly, and a younger brother, Robert. They were very close growing up, but both siblings have passed.
Marilyn attended Harding High School and worked various jobs after graduation, including at a candy-making company, Montgomery Ward, and Brown & Bigelow in clerical roles. She also worked as a switchboard operator and receptionist for Snyder’s drugstores, enjoying the friendships she made along the way.
She met her husband, Bill, when she was in seventh grade and he was in sixth. They grew up only two blocks apart. After Bill lost a leg in an accident, he still drove and courted Marilyn. They married in 1956 when she was 22. Together they raised their daughter, Karen, and son, Bill Jr., taking family trips to the Wisconsin Dells and Duluth. Marilyn also loved her weekly outings with her Mom—especially Wednesday shopping trips, often just for window-shopping, but always filled with laughter and connection.
Her best friend, Mary, whom she met in high school, remained close until Mary’s passing at 48. Marilyn describes herself as someone who values down-to-earth companionship—someone who doesn’t put on airs. She misses the days when her home and her friendships were lively and full.
Marilyn and Bill were married until his passing in 2004, on their anniversary. She remembers him as a good man who got along famously with her father and the grandchildren. Today, Marilyn lives alone and is hard of hearing, so her Visiting Companion must be prepared to speak up. She enjoys swapping life stories, reminiscing, and connecting with someone who understands the value of genuine friendship. She is not up to walking long distances these days.
Peggy J.
Location:
- Blaine
Biography:
Peggy is a straightforward and resilient woman whose life reflects deep devotion to family and perseverance through hardship. Born in St. Paul, she was one of 15 children, the fifth oldest. Her mother passed away young, leaving Peggy with significant responsibility—she often jokes that she was the “chief dish and bottle washer” for ten younger siblings. Her childhood was not easy, but it instilled in her a strong work ethic, independence, and remarkable memory.
Peggy met her husband, Robert, on a blind date in 1965 in high school. A friend named Kathy was dating Robert’s brother, and when Robert saw Peggy’s photo, he knew instantly she was the one. They married in 1967—twice on the same day to honor both of their faith traditions—and shared 55 years until Robert’s passing six years ago. They raised two sons, Steven and Robert, and a daughter, Christina. Steven now lives with Peggy in her small trailer home and takes great care of her. The space is tight with little natural light, and there is a strong smell of smoke, as Peggy enjoys cigarettes.
Peggy worked for H&R Block for 15 years and loved helping people get their tax refunds. Earlier in life, she survived being hit by a drunk driver, which left her with lasting back issues. Despite ongoing health challenges, Peggy says she stays positive and grateful.
She enjoys crocheting, quilting, and playing Bingo, and would love to go out occasionally for breakfast or lunch with a new friend. Though she shares she can be sharp at times, she’s warm-hearted once you get to know her. Peggy is allergic to perfume and certain foods and has asthma, so sensitivity to these is appreciated. She and Steven share their home with a sweet cat.
Barbara F.
Location:
- Stillwater
Biography:
Barbara was born and raised in Saint Paul and grew up in a big family. Although she no longer speaks with her siblings and doesn’t know why, she remains close with her children. She has three kids: her youngest daughter is married, and her other two children live with their father. One of her children is transgender, which she fully accepts and supports.
After her divorce, she spent time living in Brooklyn Park and now resides in Oak Park Heights near Stillwater. She currently lives in an assisted living community and truly loves it, appreciating both the environment and the sense of independence it provides.
She prefers not to talk about politics, but greatly enjoys conversations about baking, even though she no longer bakes herself. She is legally blind and navigates life with resilience and positivity.
Denise L.
Location:
- Maple Grove
Biography:
Denise is a longtime Minnesota resident who enjoys card games, audiobooks, and spending time with her cat. After experiencing a stroke last year, she now lives with left-side paralysis. She feels isolated and lonely due to the stroke. A former card-making hobbyist, she continues to find joy in creative and social activities that she is able to participate in like collecting stamps. She is married with three adult children and would benefit from more outside companionship to support her social engagement and well-being.
Paul L.
Location:
- Arden Hills
Biography:
Paul was born in Virginia, Minnesota, and grew up in several small towns across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa as his father worked in agriculture and later in farm supply. He graduated from Gaylord High School before attending the University of Minnesota, where he studied pre-law and went on to earn his law degree in 1956. Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Army JAG Corps, serving three years at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, just four miles from the Mexican border.
Following his service, Paul entered private practice briefly before joining the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, where he built a distinguished 36-year career. For 18 of those years, he headed the Criminal Division, supervising a team of attorneys and staff, and prosecuting cases ranging from bad checks to high-profile murder trials. His many courtroom stories inspired him to publish a book of short stories titled A Slew of Criminals.
Paul married Shirley in 1956, and together they raised two children, Paul and Mary Ellen, later enjoying summers at their lake home in Rush City with five grandchildren, including triplets. After Shirley’s passing, Paul married Lynn, with whom he shared his life until her death in March 2025.
In retirement, Paul devoted time to volunteering at Hancock Hamline Grade School, tutoring English learners, many of whom were Hmong or Spanish-speaking children. He found this work deeply rewarding.
Paul enjoys woodcarving, card tricks, and games, particularly pool and bridge. He keeps five spare pool cues on hand for guests and jokes that those games are his only bad habits. He also owns a bright yellow 1929 Ford Model A Sports Coupe with a rumble seat, a car that reflects his sense of humor and love of storytelling. Due to his current health status, visits are best on-site at Paul’s facility. Follow parking signage to 3220 Gables Care Center on the Johanna Shores Campus.
JoAnn V.
Location:
- North Oaks
Biography:
JoAnn’s life has been shaped by generosity, resilience, and a deep sense of connection to others. Born in the countryside outside Miller, South Dakota, she grew up surrounded by wide open fields, fresh air, and an ever‑changing barnyard of cows, chickens, sheep, pigs, ducks, geese, and horses.
As one of eight children, she learned early what it meant to share, to pitch in, and to look out for the people around her. Her parents, Leo and Ida, created a home filled with fairness, warmth, and steady guidance. Ida kept the household running with skill and care, while Leo worked the land as a farmer. Even during the Depression, the family never felt deprived. There was always homemade bread, and vegetables fresh from the garden or canned, and the comfort of knowing they had what they needed.
Growing up on the farm taught JoAnn practical skills that stayed with her for life. She learned to bake, to can, and to make the most of what the land provided. As the second oldest, she helped raise her younger siblings—two sisters and four brothers—and those bonds remained strong. Her youngest brothers are still living, and they continue to stay in touch with her, a testament to the closeness of their family.
After graduating from high school, JoAnn built a career as a bookkeeper, a profession she stayed with throughout her working life. She also cleaned homes, bringing the same diligence and pride to her work that she brought to everything else she did.
Volunteering has been one of the defining threads of JoAnn’s life. She has always had a big heart for service, especially in assisted living communities like the one she now calls home. Whether offering a helping hand, a listening ear, or simply her presence, JoAnn has spent her life giving back in ways that reflect the values she learned on the farm: kindness, responsibility, and care for others.
She looks forward to the company of a new friend and would especially love to find someone who would enjoy reading to her, as macular degeneration has robbed her of her favorite pastime: reading. JoAnn’s welcoming presence contributes to the cozy atmosphere of her assisted living apartment.