Mary's Move to an accessible home

Mary Atherton was born and raised in Vermont, attending school in Bristol before beginning a career that would take her down many different paths. Over the years, she wore several hats—from owning and managing a local tavern to becoming one of the first female purchasing agents working on military contracts. Along the way, she also raised two children as a single mother. Looking back, she laughs at how much she managed to fit in. “I don't even know where I found the time.” Eventually, Mary found herself in East Middlebury, where she owned and operated a deli and market for roughly 20 years. Serving food and connecting with her community became one of her greatest passions.

Living above the deli kept Mary close to her business during years when work often began early in the morning and continued late into the evening. But as her health changed, so did what she needed from a home. “I was having a lot of trouble with the stairs,” she recalls, and falls in the bathroom became a serious concern. Eventually, Mary retired, sold her business, and found a home at Firehouse Apartments, bringing her back to her hometown of Bristol.

For Mary, accessible housing allows her to continue living independently. Features such as a single-level layout and properly placed bathroom supports help her feel secure in her home while managing changes in her health and mobility. She recalls thinking “well, this is actually just perfect!” Just as importantly, living at Firehouse keeps her connected to the community where she grew up and close to her children in Monkton.

Moving into an apartment community was a major adjustment for Mary, who had not rented since she was young. Over time, however, she has found ways to connect with her neighbors. Most notably through her participation in AHW’s community garden program. Because traditional ground-level gardening would be difficult with her mobility and pain, the raised garden beds have allowed Mary to continue her lifelong passion: growing and sharing food.
That generosity reflects a belief Mary has carried throughout her life: when people have something to offer, they should share it.

It also reflected how she thinks about affordable housing communities. She believes each person brings their own experiences, knowledge, and skills that can strengthen the community around them.

AHW is grateful to have Mary as part of the Firehouse Apartments community and to see her continue doing what she has done throughout her life—connecting with others, sharing what she can, and making her community a little stronger.

---