MaryAnne, 87, and Lawrence Bugeja, 85, have shared a life filled with love, faith, and resilience. Married for 62 years, the couple has faced their share of challenges and achievements. For the past two years, they have resided at Casa San Paolo, a decision they made in 2022 after facing health issues and realizing that living independently in their Sliema home had become increasingly difficult. They had also decided to make adjustments to their home to better suit their needs. However, despite the modifications, they found that daily life was becoming more challenging.
Lawrence, a skilled carpenter for 60 years with a shop opposite their house in Sliema, and MaryAnne, a dedicated housewife, cherished their life in the vibrant town. Yet, they understood that a change was necessary for their well-being.
Adjusting to life at Casa San Paolo was initially a challenge for Lawrence. “At first, I found it a bit hard to adjust to the facility,” he explained. The transition from their home to a new environment was overwhelming. However, with the supportive management and staff at Casa San Paolo, the Bugejas began to settle in. “With time and with the help of the facility management, we adjusted easily,” said Lawrence. The couple gradually grew accustomed to their new surroundings, made new friends, and even found time to venture out on their own.
MaryAnne, who has a hearing impairment, depends a lot on her husband. Despite this, she remains an active participant in the events organized by the facility and the Activities Committee of the CareMalta Group. “I don’t let my hearing impairment keep me away from the events,” she said with determination.
Their days are brightened by regular visits from their three children and six grandchildren, a highlight in their weekly routine that brings immense joy and a sense of continuity to their family-centered life.
During an interview for CareNet, both MaryAnne and Lawrence shared their secret to a strong marriage. “The presence of God in our daily lives,” they said. This spiritual foundation has been their anchor through six decades of marriage, and it continues to guide them now that Casa San Paolo is their home. Their family and their faith continue to be the cornerstone of their lives, proving that even in the later stages of life, there are new adventures and new memories to be made.
The story of MaryAnne and Lawrence has also shown that adaptation and support can make all the difference and that their journey with CareMalta reflects the organization’s commitment to providing a nurturing environment where residents can thrive despite the challenges of aging.