03/24/2026
Alice’s Story
At 89 years old, Alice holds a very special place at Heritage Woods of Canton. As the longest-residing resident in the community, she carries with her nearly nine decades of stories, compassion, and dedication to caring for others.
Alice grew up just 12 miles west of Canton, on the other side of Fiatt. Her roots in the area run deep, and her life has always been closely tied to the communities of Fulton County.
Early in her life, Alice married her first husband, and the two shared 51 years together. During their marriage they welcomed three beautiful children. One of their sons sadly passed away just four days after birth due to a hole in his heart. At the time, medical knowledge and treatments were limited, making the loss especially heartbreaking. Even through that difficult time, Alice continued to build a loving family with her two other children.
Once her children were nearly grown, Alice decided it was time to pursue a lifelong dream. As a young woman, she had always wanted to become a nurse, but her parents simply couldn’t afford to send her to school. Determined to follow that dream, Alice returned to school later in life—and she achieved it. She became a nurse and spent 32 years caring for others.
Her nursing career began at Prairie City Nursing Home, and she later worked at Clayberg Nursing Home, where she eventually retired. Throughout those years, Alice became known for her compassion, dedication, and the genuine care she gave to every patient.
But nursing was only one part of Alice’s remarkable life.
She spent many years volunteering throughout the community. Alice served as a 4-H leader, where she taught many young girls how to sew, sharing the skills she loved as a talented seamstress. She also had a deep passion for flowers and gardening. Alice worked at a garden center and spent years showing flowers at the fair. Her love for horticulture led her to serve as the floral superintendent for the Fulton County Fair for eight years.
Alice’s giving spirit extended in many other ways as well. She volunteered at the local hospital as a hostess in the surgery department and helped oversee senior transportation for the American Red Cross, making sure older adults could get where they needed to go safely.
When asked about someone special in her life, Alice immediately mentions her dear friend Joann. The two worked together years ago when Joann was a nurse’s aide. Alice describes Joann as “the best aide around,” while Joann always insisted that Alice was the best nurse she had ever worked with. Their friendship has lasted through the years, and Joann still visits Alice every Sunday.
One of Alice’s proudest memories is the day her daughter was born. She says there were not very many women in the Zaborac family, making that moment especially meaningful to her.
There are also a few things many people may not know about Alice. At one point in her life, she served as the manager of the Kelly Home located on West Chestnut Street in Canton.
Alice later married again and shared 14 years with her second husband. After his passing, she found herself falling more often and felt afraid to live alone. That led her to make the decision to move to Heritage Woods of Canton.
The transition turned out to be a wonderful one. Alice says the community is beautiful and that there really isn’t another place like it nearby—unless you travel to Peoria. Knowing the previous administrator, who had once been a fellow nurse, also helped make the move easier.
Today, Alice says one staff member who truly brightens her day is Kim Brown, RN. The kindness and care she receives from the staff means a great deal to her.
When asked what “home” means to her now, Alice smiles and says it’s her room at Heritage Woods. “It’s just mine,” she says, and she loves having a place of her own.
Life has slowed down a bit these days, but Alice finds joy in simple moments—like working on puzzles in the front lobby and spending time with friends. After decades of caring for others as a nurse, she says she is learning that it’s okay to accept help, too.
Alice also recently received wonderful news that filled her heart with joy—the arrival of her newest great-granddaughter. She was so happy to welcome the newest member of her growing family.
After a lifetime of caring for others, serving her community, and sharing her many talents, Alice says she is grateful for where she is today. And most of all, she says she is very glad she made the move to Heritage Woods of Canton. ❤️
