Lake Prince Woods Resident Sews to Serve

Mildred Hall shows off her custom masks.

By Joy Cline

A lifetime of sewing has led resident Mildred Hall to fulfilling a purpose at Lake Prince Woods, a continuing care community of United Church Homes and Services in Suffolk, Va. In a short period of time, Hall has sewn more than 50 face masks and donated them to the community.

The spread and uncertainty of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has brought new restrictions and diminished needed supplies. When asked if she could sew a few face masks for team members at Lake Prince Woods, Hall was quick to get started. She created her own assembly line within her comfortable one-bedroom apartment at Lake Prince Woods and production began.

“The assembly line gives me an opportunity to break-up the tasks. I cut the pattern one day, sew them together the next day, and add the elastic ear pieces,” she says. “Sewing is fun for me and sewing the masks gives it added purpose.”

Giving back is a vital part of a full and rewarding life at Lake Prince Woods. Nothing is more fulfilling than using one’s own skills and passion to contribute to the quality of life of others within your own community.

Hall learned to sew in home economics class in high school. Her mother was also a good seamstress and passed down her skills. Hall has sewn clothes for her daughters and herself; made wedding gowns and prom gowns; and even made furniture slip covers.

Hall hard at work, sewing to serve.

“I love sewing whether by hand or by machine,” she says. “Three of my daughters enjoy sewing and they do beautiful work.”

Hall moved to Lake Prince Woods from a farm in Smithfield, Va., following her husband’s passing. She already knew the area because during her childhood, Hall’s parents used to shop in Suffolk.

“My mother would shop for fabric here,” she chuckles. “I looked at several retirement communities, but when visiting Lake Prince Woods, it just felt right. I am happy here. It is friendly and comfortable, and they take care of you and you don’t worry about anything.”

“This is not only a wonderful place to live, it gives life a purpose,” Hall adds. “I am a member of the crochet club and we make chemo hats, blankets and hats for babies. Our group also made bedrolls for the homeless. I love doing things for others.”

Hall not only sews, she also uses her voice to bring joy to others. She sings in the Lake Prince Woods Golden Voices Choir. “I love singing; it brings me great pleasure,” she says.

Whatever this kind, humble, Christian woman chooses to do, you can bet she is sharing threads of love with her hands and her heart to help others.

Lake Prince Woods, an award-winning residential retirement community, is nestled among 172 lovely wooded acres bordering Lake Prince. As a licensed continuing care retirement community, it offers residential living, assisted living, memory care and health care services.