New Britain herald., 1928-04-28
BRINGS SUNSHINE
 ID ELDERLY WOMEN
Mother Starr Carrying Out Wishes Of Deceased Husband

He was lying on his death bed. The doctor had just told him there was no hope for his recovery and his days of life were numbered. He turned to his wife and said: Before die I would like to see one thing in existence, home for elderly peo- pie over 60 years of age so that some sunshine might be brought in- to their lives in their declining years"
 That man was Charles l.. Starr, who since he was 20 years of age. had given his time and effort to the Stanley Rule X Level Co. and after 43 years of service passed on to his reward. He lived a year after re- ceiving the information that his days were numbered and the end finally came on February 1S. 1926.
 Throughout his illness his wife. Mrs. Cora NJ. Starr stayed by him nursing him and comforting him by her companionship both day and night. She listened to his plans for the home that would bring comfort to people in their declining years and from the beginning expressed willingness to do her part in the plan.
 They were to sell their home on Stanley street and have a smaller bungalow constructed. The site was chosen at the lower end of How ard street and the work of construc- ton began soon after the day Mir. Starr had decided upon the idea. Throughout that last year of his life he lay in bed thinking and plan- ming the construction of the home.
 Toward the end he suffered seri- ous attacks. but he fought for his life. hoping to be we'll when the home was constructed. He rallied and was able to See the house in fts completed state. but as he was not in good health he was taken to his summer home at lake in this state. He became very i'll and was brought back to this city. He and Mrs. Starr made their homo in the new house for the first time. His plan was being carried through for about q month when he died.
 Mrs. Starr has kept up the work which her husband planned and through three years she has man. aged to make expenses and at the same time keep a home for elderly women. Expenses are made through fee charge the patients, but Mrs. Starr is charging as little as pos sible so that the work would not be hampered through lack Of finances
 The home is of two stories. There are nine rooms including sum- porch. living room. dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. The bed rooms are fitted with hospital beds. Every room is constructed in such way that an abundance of sunlight can make its way into the farthest corner
 There are four residents at the the home at present. To them she is known as Mother" Starr and the group is like a happy family. Mrs. Starr Is a practical nurse. She cares for them through illness and she CO., operates with the patients family doctor when the illness requires his aid. Among the women at the home Is one who is S5 years old. She re- gently recovered from an attack of pneumonia and is now being treat- ed for appendicitis. Another is 75 years old and is very happy. The other two are younger; one is suffer- ing from a shock, but has improved in health since she came to the home and another is the mother of seven children. She is the young- est in the home.
 Mrs. Starr has to arrange individ- ,al meals for each of her patients since some of them cannot eat what the others require.
 The patients are never at loss for entertainment. Miss Alice Starr, q teacher Of music and a daughter of Mrs. Starr plays for them dur ing the evening. Last Christmas the little family" sang Christmas carols and at Easter friends of one of the patients sang Easter hymns.
 And so "Mother" Starr carries on the work and refuses to allow anything to stop her In her efforts to fulfill the task laid out for her by her husband.