Living a Legacy: The Story of Karol Span

Sep 30, 2024 | Giving, Legacy Foundation

Legacy. When I think of a person or family leaving a legacy it’s a very honorable and big deal. If you are being recognized or remembered for leaving a legacy it means that you are or have been a person or family that has had a great impact on the lives of others. Whether your impact was financial or an act of service, the support you’ve shown throughout your community will live on and continue to make a difference in lives.  

A Life Well Lived

At our Christian Haven campus, we had the opportunity to celebrate a life well lived and honor the legacy of Karol Span. Karol worked for Christian Haven for over 40 years! Fun fact: she was even a live-in Administrator there for a period of time. At one point or another she did every job under that roof! Karol’s service to Christian Haven molded and shaped the wonderful assisted living community that it is today. Her legacy will live on for generations to come. 

Karol’s love of Christian Haven was so steadfast that she chose Christian Haven as her final home when her health began to decline. She peacefully entered heaven late last year. 

Honoring a Legacy

This summer we had an opportunity, along with Karol’s family, to honor her service and legacy by creating a beautiful patio and gardens. On a Saturday in August, Karol’s family and Christian Haven were able to celebrate her life and her legacy and enjoy the new gardens. A plaque was created so that all who enjoy and are served by Christian Haven realize the life and legacy that made it what it is today. 

The plaque reads: 

This garden is dedicated in memory of 

KAROL ANN SPAN 

Karol dedicated over 40 years of service to Christian Haven, 

Serving in various roles including cook, aid, manager, and living onsite. 

Her most important role was as a caregiver and friend to the residents. 

She worked tirelessly to meet their needs with a smile and a joke. 

When it was time for her to receive care, 

She chose Christian Haven as her home. 

She was blessed to spend the end of her life there, 

Where her passion and good deeds were returned to her 

With exceptional care and kindness. 

Her sons, Scott and Leon Span, dedicate this garden 

As a tribute to Karol’s incredible life. 

That, my friends, is legacy. 

 Here in the Sunset Legacy Foundation we are passionate about supporting our mission of providing compassionate and personalized senior care. Join us in this mission by donating to Sunset Senior Communities.