In the heart of the welcoming community known as The Oasis of Clarkston, a truly remarkable spirit resides: 85-year-old Mary Adriaens. She possesses a quiet, radiant energy—the kind that doesn’t demand attention, but naturally draws it in, born from a life thoughtfully lived and profoundly loved. Mary is a living testament to the beauty of endurance and grace, a woman whose eyes hold the wisdom of eight and a half decades and the sparkle of eternal hope.
For Mary, the essence of life has always been about connections: to the subtle, changing canvas of the seasons outside her window; to the sprawling, vibrant tapestry of her cherished family; and above all, to the unshakeable faith that has served as her constant, luminous guide through every storm and every sunny afternoon.
At 85 years young, Mary is so much more than a resident; she is the quiet, gracious heartbeat of The Oasis. Her presence is a gentle comfort, her smile a familiar light. Her life story is not one of loud triumphs, but rather a gentle, profound lesson in the enduring power of faith, the irreplaceable richness of family bonds, and the quiet art of finding grace in the unexpected detours life inevitably presents. It’s a narrative that reminds us that true fulfillment is often found not in grand achievements, but in the small, daily acts of love and gratitude.
We are privileged to explore her heartfelt advice—the simple truths distilled from a lifetime of experience. We’ll uncover the golden decade she treasures most and the profound, simple secret that, for her, made life truly and beautifully fulfilling. Her journey is a beacon, illuminating the timeless path toward a meaningful life, proving that some of the greatest inspirations are found right within our own communities.
A Love Letter To Autumn
Ask Mary about autumn, and her eyes brighten with the pure, uncomplicated joy of a child. “The smell,” she’ll say with a soft sigh, “and those apple cider and donuts—there’s nothing quite like it.”
But her favorite memory isn’t the sweet taste or the spiced air; it’s the raw, boisterous fun of her childhood. “It was raking the leaves,” she recalls, a smile crinkling the corners of her eyes. “My siblings and I would rake them into a pile so enormous, and then we’d just jump into them. The crunch, the smell of the damp earth, the sheer volume of it all—it was wonderful.” It’s a simple memory, but it captures the spirit of Mary: finding profound joy in simple, shared experiences.
The Decisive Decade
Like any long life, Mary’s has known seasons of both sunshine and shadow. But when asked what single decade she would return to, she doesn’t choose one of unblemished ease. She chooses her twenties.
It was a time when she faced a serious illness, a period of uncertainty and fear. Yet, within that struggle, Mary found a bedrock truth that has guided her ever since. “I felt God’s touch and presence, and I was healed,” she states simply. That profound, intimate experience—feeling grace move in her life when she needed it most—didn’t just save her health; it fundamentally cemented her faith, becoming the cornerstone of her enduring strength.
Her life’s most valuable lesson flows directly from this time: “To trust God with all your heart beyond all.”
The Secret To A Fulfilling Life
Mary’s greatest source of inspiration and strength has always been her anchors: “My faith, my husband, my family, and friends.” This quartet is the bedrock upon which she built her world.
Having nurtured this network, she knows exactly what brings true, lasting satisfaction. The secret to a fulfilling life, Mary believes, is spreading harmony among family. It’s not about perfection or avoiding disagreements; it’s about the deliberate effort to mend, to forgive, and to always prioritize love over being right. This commitment to harmony is the beautiful legacy she continues to weave with her children and grandchildren. In fact, when she reflects on what fundamentally changed her for the better, she names it without hesitation: “My family bonds.”
Wisdom For The Young
Sitting in the comfortable lounge at The Oasis, Mary has a perspective earned over eight decades of living, loving, and learning. Her advice to young people navigating the tumultuous waters of modern life is refreshingly simple and profound:
“Listen to your parents, even though they don’t make sense, and trust in God who also doesn’t make sense.”
It’s a call for humility and faith—the humility to accept wisdom you may not yet fully grasp, and the faith to trust in a larger plan beyond your immediate understanding.
A New Chapter, A New Family
Moving to The Oasis of Clarkston marked a new chapter, one that could have felt isolating but instead became an extension of her core belief in community. Since arriving, Mary has found a deep and unexpected comfort.
The staff at The Oasis, those dedicated individuals who help with daily life, have become more than just caregivers. “The staff has definitely become family,” she says with heartfelt appreciation. This beautiful, new bond speaks volumes about Mary’s open heart and her lifelong ability to create harmony wherever she goes. She arrived as a resident and quickly became a cherished friend, turning caregiving relationships into genuine, familial connections.
Mary Adriaens, with her gentle spirit and deep-rooted faith, is a radiant example that the most fulfilling life is not one of grand achievements, but one built on the simple, constant acts of love, trust, and the pursuit of harmony. She is a living testament to the power of a life well-lived, a constant, glowing Oasis of her own.
Mary Adriaens, with her gentle spirit and deep-rooted faith, is a radiant example that the most fulfilling life is not one of grand achievements, but one built on the simple, constant acts of love, trust, and the pursuit of harmony. She is a living testament to the power of a life well-lived, a constant, glowing Oasis of her own.
Discover Harmony At The Oasis Of Clarkston
Inspired by Mary’s story of family and connection? The Oasis community spans Michigan and Illinois, offering specialized care in Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care. Come see how we cultivate a supportive and harmonious environment tailored to every need.
Call us at (248) 922-7000 or visit us at The Oasis Of Clarkston: 7550 Dixie Hwy, Village of Clarkston, MI 48346.
Disclaimer: Mary Adriaens and her family have provided full consent for her story, likeness, and personal details to be shared in this feature. Any accompanying photos or videos are used with her explicit permission and are intended to inspire the community.
