Assisted Living in Illinois - Meet Our May Resident of the Month

​Meet Diana Mellenthin, Melody Living’s assisted living featured resident of May! This month, Diana wanted to try something different and wrote her own autobiography to share. We love getting to know each of our residents here at Melody Living Lake in the Hills and can’t wait for you to meet Diana. Take it away, Diana…
 
“I first saw the light of day on May 1, 1929, in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.  My parents were born in Italy. My Dad was 16 years old when he came to America alone. My Mother was in her early 20’s when she arrived in America.

​My parents met for the first time in Chicago. They became American citizens and all their lives, cherished their American citizenship. They voted in every single election up until they passed away. I feel very blessed to be the first generation born in the USA. I had one sibling, a brother Carl, who was seven years older than I. He served in the US Army in World War II.

​When I was about 8 years old, I learned how to embroider and then I learned how to sew on my mother’s Singer pedal sewing machine. I sewed off and on, during my life, as the opportunity presented itself.
 
After my graduation from High School, (about three years after World War II), my Mother and I went to Italy to visit her family in Tuscany, Italy. She was born in a small town near the city of Lucca called, “Segromigno in Monte.” We lived there for six months.

​Since then, I’ve traveled to Italy with my oldest daughter, Laura, and again with my youngest daughter, Mary. 

​My husband, Jerry, was a college professor, and we were able to spend one summer month traveling in Europe. My husband drove from Germany, Luxenberg, Belgium, France, and Italy down to the Amalfi Coast.
 
In Italy we stopped along the way in Bolzano, Assisi, Venice, Padua, Rome, Sorento, Naples, and on our way back we stopped in Lucca to visit my cousins and their families. Then, back to Germany for our flight back to America. Wonderful trip!

​​My late husband, Jerry, and I had six children. Four of our six children are living. We have three grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

​After I raised my children, I went to college, and earned an associate degree in Medical Office Assistance (MOA) and a certificate in Medical Transcription.

​I then assisted doctors who specialized in internal medicine, pulmonology, and gastroenterology.
 
My husband and I first moved to Westbrook in Streamwood, an assisted living home. When Melody Living in Illinois first opened its doors, we moved here because my son and his family live in Algonquin, just a short distance from here and it is convenient for him to visit.

​Melody Living Lake in the Hills is my home now, and I am happy to be here. I thank God for all my blessings!”

​Melody Living Lake in the Hills is my home now, and I am happy to be here. I thank God for all my blessings!”

We can't wait to help you discover a Life in Harmony™ like Diane has with Melody Living assisted living Lake in the Hills. To learn more, visit our contact page to schedule a tour or give us a call at ​847.957.7070.