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Resident Spotlight: Mark Suffridge

 

At Sagora Senior Living we are constantly creating new experiences to engage our residents and find exciting ways to showcase our amazing communities and how we truly embrace each moment we create together. We celebrate our residents daily and one of our most rewarding opportunities is when we get to share their love and passion with others! We are excited to do a resident spotlight Celebrating the artistic journey of Mark Suffridge of Elison Assisted Living of Bella Vita.

Mark Suffridge’s journey to Elison Assisted Living of Bella Vita is a testament to resilience, passion, and the enduring power of art. Since moving to Bella Vita, Mark has not only found a welcoming community but also an avenue to share his lifelong passion for art with others. Recently, Bella Vita hosted an Art Exhibition as part of his Resident Lasting Impression, providing Mark with a platform to showcase his diverse artistic talents.

 

An Artistic Showcase at Bella Vita

The Art Exhibition ran for an entire week, drawing friends, family, residents, and their loved ones to admire Mark’s creations. The gallery featured a range of Mark’s work, including digital art, dioramas, and traditional paintings. The event was a joyous occasion, filled with admiration and appreciation for Mark’s talent. His artwork sparked conversations and brought smiles to many faces, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere within the community.

Mark was visibly happy and proud to display his work, a sentiment echoed by everyone who attended. His art not only beautified the space but also inspired fellow residents to explore their own creative pursuits. In Mark’s own words, “I fell in love with Bella Vita, people are friendly, and I love my home. It was a very wise decision to move to Bella Vita.”

 

A Life Shaped by Art

Mark A. Suffridge was born on a very cold day, February 7, 1953, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He entered the world prematurely at seven months and was born deaf, but these early challenges did not hinder his artistic journey. Mark’s father, a WWII veteran and fine arts graduate from Ohio Wesleyan University, played a pivotal role in nurturing his interest in art. Mark’s parents, both high school teachers in Cincinnati, frequently took him and his older sister Kathy, who was also born deaf, to local art museums and shows, fostering his love for creativity.

 

After graduating from Withrow High School in 1972, Mark pursued a degree in Fine Arts at the Rochester Institute of Technology/NTID. His college years were vibrant, marked by involvement in drama, plays, and serving as a Resident Advisor. Upon earning his bachelor’s degree in 1979, Mark embarked on his dream career as a Junior Graphic Artist at Ford Motor Company’s design center in Dearborn, Michigan. It was here that he met his wife, Mary Ann, and together they had four children: Amber, Jamie, Jason, and Micah.

 

From NASA to Bella Vita

Mark’s professional journey continued at Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin), where he worked with NASA at the New Orleans East Michoud Facility. As a Senior Illustrator, he collaborated with engineers on the construction of external tanks for space shuttles, a role that combined his artistic skills with cutting-edge technology. His tenure with NASA ended in 1993, leading him to Florida where he transitioned to a caregiving role at Magnolia ALF group home in Safety Harbor.

 

In March of 2023, Mark moved to Elison of Bella Vita, bringing with him a rich tapestry of experiences and a deep-seated passion for art. Despite facing health challenges that led him to become a resident, Mark continues to draw and paint in his apartment, creating custom works and delighting in his artistic endeavors.

 

A Vibrant Community Member

At Bella Vita, Mark has found more than just a place to live; he has found a community that values and celebrates his contributions. His interests extend beyond art to include collecting coins, reading, playing Bocce and Cornhole, listening to music, and working on his WWII diorama. Mark’s presence enriches the lives of those around him, and his art exhibition is a testament to the vibrant, supportive environment at Bella Vita.

Mark Suffridge’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and the joy of finding a true home. His artistic journey continues to inspire and uplift, reminding us all of the enduring power of passion and the importance of community.

 

We are proud to play a vital role in helping seniors live longer and the best life possible. With 83 communities in 12 different states, Sagora Senior Living offers seniors the chance to live in active, social communities where they can thrive on a daily basis.

 

To learn more about the Sagora experience, tour your local community today!

Do you have questions? We have answers.

At Sagora Senior Living our goal is to be accessible to our residents and their families, our future associates, and our customers. To that end, we look forward to hearing from you.
(817) 446-4792