Dr. Mercedes MonjianDr. Mercedes Monjian photographed a bull fight in Spain, studied piano at Carnegie Mellon, and worked as a fashion writer at Joseph Horne Company. After earning advanced degrees, she taught English Literature at Westminster College and the University of Pittsburgh.

She brought all of her unique experiences to Longwood at Oakmont 12 years after she learned she’d be facing progressive loss of vision. “Even though I knew I would eventually lose my total vision, I wanted to keep my carefree way of life. Longwood offered me a home with a sense of security, comfort and pleasure,” she says.

These desires led Mrs. Monjian to make the significant decision to leave a legacy for other Longwood residents by making a planned gift through the Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation. “I wanted to do something that would be beneficial to the residents of the Longwood community for years to come.”

And she did just that—she donated the refundable portion of her entrance fee and designated it to the Longwood at Oakmont Life Care Fund, which provides for residents who have run out of resources and can no longer afford to pay for their care. Mrs. Monjian is giving back much more than funds—a resident in need will continue to feel secure and comfortable in their home—something Mrs. Monjian believes is what makes Longwood a great place to live.