When Paul Gardella and Liz Sabo first met at Brickstone by St John’s, it was not under typical circumstances. The two independent living residents were neighbors, each navigating the challenges of caring for a spouse facing serious health issues. What began as simple conversations between neighbors grew into a meaningful friendship, rooted in understanding and shared experience.
Paul moved to Brickstone in 2014 with his wife Marj in an effort to prepare for a future where they could age in place. “In a suburban neighborhood, you can feel very isolated,” Paul shared. “Marj and I were impressed by the plans for the Brickstone apartments, especially the large unit on the third floor. We made many friends as the years progressed.”
However, around 2021, as Marj’s dementia progressed, Paul made the difficult decision to move her to skilled care. She became a resident at the former St. John’s Green House Homes, which at that time was part a skilled nursing facility within the St. John’s continuum.
Liz also arrived at Brickstone a few years later after her husband Bob suffered a serious fall, which led her to seek a supportive community for both caregiving and connection. “It was a rental situation, contrary to a lot of the communities that want an upfront, big lump sum of money,” Liz noted. Coming from out-of-state this option provided flexibility. Eventually, as Bob required more care, Liz arranged for his move to another nursing home before finally settling into the same Green House Home as Marj.
“We started talking because we had similar situations,” Liz said about becoming acquainted with Paul. “We lived on the same floor and could be a small support group for each other.”
That support extended beyond the two of them. “I would say that the third floor neighbors were basically a support group for us, too, because they invited us to little functions and had a little get together coffee and stuff like that,” Paul added.
At Brickstone, neighbors naturally look out for one another—offering a sense of connection during an otherwise difficult time. “You move in, and even if you don’t participate in a lot of activities, you start to care about the people around you,” Liz said.
Paul and Liz’s friendship deepened as they discovered shared experiences and interests. Despite their caregiving roles, they spent more time together talking, exploring, and traveling when possible.
After both of their spouses passed away, their connection grew. “After years of having little freedom, we were able to enjoy life again,” Liz said.
“And we enjoy it together,” Paul added. In January 2024, Liz moved in with Paul, to begin a new chapter. What started as companionship soon became a clear commitment to one another.
Liz and Paul were married last month in an intimate ceremony in the Horizons Room at Brickstone, surrounded by close family and friends. “The staff was so excited for us. They helped make it really special,” Liz said.
For Paul and Liz, choosing to marry was both practical and deeply personal. It ensured they could support one another in every way, while also affirming the life they had chosen to build together. “It just felt right. We wanted to make a statement to our families and to this community that this is the relationship we have,” Liz mentioned.
“Part of the other reason we wanted to get married is because we wanted the ability to be with our partner, if there was a medical situation. Her being my wife, (me) being her husband, makes it a lot easier,” Paul says. “There are things you can’t do if you’re not legally married, like making life-care decisions.”
Today, Paul and Liz continue to enjoy life at Brickstone, staying active and connected, both individually and as a couple. “The other thing about Brickstone is the great location,” says Paul. “Downtown is only 10 minutes away. We can walk up to the park from here, which we do often. You can go to the grocery store just half a mile away if you need something quicker.”
“We’re still doing the things that you enjoy doing separately. And then, you know, we’re living together so it’s kind of the best of both worlds,” Liz noted. Paul volunteers at church and sings with the Brickstone Chorale, while Liz leads the Brickstone book club.
Their story is one of resilience, connection, and unexpected love. It is proof that even in life’s most challenging moments, new beginnings are possible.