Pearl Romann: From Volunteer to Resident at Perham Living

At 96 years old, Pearl lives life to the fullest. A longtime resident of Perham, she has dedicated much of her life to volunteering, especially at Perham Living’s gift shop. It was only fitting that she decided to become a resident at the place where she had spent so much time helping others.

Pearl was an only child growing up on a farm in Evergreen. “It took about six years for me to come along. My mom had different names picked out for me, but my dad said, ‘No, she’s my jewel, and we are going to name her Pearl,'” she remembered.

The family eventually moved into Perham. At 17, she met her husband, Wayne, through a shared love of dancing. “Waltz, two-step, polka—you name it, we did it,” she says with a smile. They got married, started a minnow farming business, and raised three kids. They spent 62 years together.

Even though Pearl was busy, she always found time to volunteer. “I volunteered at various places around the area, including the gift shop at Perham Living,” Pearl shares. “I was a clerk, selling stuff, and got to visit with people.” She also helped with bingo, sitting with residents who needed help and passing out the bingo prizes.

Her love for being around others drove her to volunteer in multiple places, from Perham Health to local dance halls. “I was an only child, but when I grew up, I volunteered a lot just to be with people,” she explains.

Pearl’s connection to Perham Living grew more profound when her husband, Wayne, became a resident there.

“He was sick, and I couldn’t take care of him,” she says. “I could take care of him in the day, but at night I couldn’t anymore. The kids decided that was enough.”

Witnessing the great care Wayne received at Perham Living left a lasting impression. “When he needed help, they were right there. They took good care of him,” she states. While Wayne was a resident, Pearl would visit and participate in the activities.

After living alone for a bit, Pearl decided that the house was too big, and she didn’t like being alone, so she decided to move into Perham Living.

Pearl experienced firsthand the dedication of the staff and volunteers while Wayne was a resident, so she knew she would be in good hands.

Now, as a resident, Pearl remains as active as ever. “You name it, and I do it,” she says enthusiastically. Pearl participates in every activity, from playing cards to fishing to going out on the town. “At my age, sometimes I think I shouldn’t be doing it, but it comes naturally,” she laughs.

Pearl is still volunteering at 96. She continues to help in the gift shop, teach the Perham Living staff to crochet, hold babies at church services, and, last year, helped pack meals for Feed My Starving Children.

Madison Malstrom, Resident Engagement Manager, agrees, “It’d be easier to ask what Pearl doesn’t do. She comes to every activity, goes on every outing, and she’s teaching me how to crochet right now. She’s always visiting with somebody or playing cards.”

Pearl also recognizes the impact of today’s volunteers. “Sally used to pick me up and bring me here for Bingo before I moved in,” Pearl recalls. Now, she sees volunteers enrich her life and the lives of other residents in many ways, whether through church services, social events, or simply sitting down for a chat. “I’ve made many good friends,” she says warmly.

“It’s great to see the impact today’s volunteers have on Pearl’s life. She’s become really good friends with a lot of the volunteers. Pearl made such a difference in residents’ lives when she was a volunteer so it is such a joy to see today’s volunteers make a difference in her life now that she is a resident,” says Madison.

Pearl spent much of her life giving back, and now she receives that same kindness from the community she helped build.

Learn more about Perham Living.

Learn more about volunteering at Perham Health and Perham Living.