Meet the Seniors Waiting for a Friend!
Right now, 23 older adults in our community are hoping for someone to talk to, laugh with, and share stories. They’re veterans, gardeners, retired teachers, musicians, nature lovers, and lifelong Montanans. What they have in common is the desire for connection, and the wait can be lonely.
As summer approaches, Befrienders sees a wave of senior applications, individuals seeking companionship and support. A weekly visit from a friendly volunteer can make all the difference.
This summer, brighten someone’s world with your time and kindness.
Because connection is the best kind of sunshine.
Lee C, 87 years old
Lee was born in Tennessee, lived in Germany for 4 years, and has been in Montana since the 60s. Lee has a son in Spokane and misses him dearly. Lee was a nurse assistant and home care aide for her career. She likes to crochet, work on puzzles, and occasionally go out if she is up to it. She has a cat and she loves her so much. She also has a special interest in angels and frogs. Lee needs a rematch because her Befriender got too busy due to being a Vet. She loved Lee dearly and was sad to say goodbye. Lee needs someone who can be a support system for her. She is very kind,has a great sense of humor, and loves human connection. She doesn’t have much support out here and it’s hard for her to get to doctor’s appointments. Someone who would enjoy accompanying her to the doctor would also be great! Lee has a car that can fit her wheelchair, she recently got out of the hospital after a long stay and needs more support because she doesn’t have much family in Bozeman anymore. Lee would do well with someone who is comfortable helping her get in the car, strong, and has time to spare. Special Consideration: Lee is homebound and unable to leave home. She walks with a standing walker and is on long-term oxygen.
Mary Beth T, 78 years old
Mary Beth is originally from a family in Delaware, she had an extravagant life and had many experiences to share. She currently lives in Darlington Manor close to the senior center. Mary Beth owned a clothing factory and she was a great fundraiser. She moved to Big Timber from Arizona and she felt it wasn’t right for her. Due to Mary Beth’s situation, she has been very isolated from people. She loves to talk about her life experiences and is very open about things that have happened to her. She is super spunky with great taste. She loves to read and wants to start writing a book. Marybeth is in a unique situation and any community she can have is wonderful for her. Her car is broken and she misses her independence. She wants a friend, someone who can help advocate for her and assist in grocery shopping, running errands, and having genuine conversations.
Karen B, 81 years old match in progress
Karen was born and Raised in Montana. She lives in Belgrade across from the high school with her husband. Karen is a wonderful woman with wisdom to share, life experiences, and is overall looking for a friend to do things in the community with. She enjoys being social and notices when she has company her brain works better. Karen spends a lot of time alone and has been needing someone she can call a friend. She owned her own art business and is a self taught musician. Karen would love to get back into old hobbies (art, music, community events) she doesn’t do anymore because doing them alone isn’t as fun. She is so kind, easy to talk to, and is so glad she found this program. She has many ideas of things she would love to do with a Befriender such as grabbing coffee, a meal, and going to the heart of the valley...she loves dogs! She likes people with enthusiasm and positive outlooks on life, she may want a Befriender who is 40 or older as well. She is excited to meet her Befriender and make a new connection. Special Consideration: Karen has vertigo and does better in the afternoons then the morning.
Karen S, 78 years old
Karen resides at the Gallatin Rest Home. She grew up in Missoula and then lived and taught 2nd grade most of her life in Ashland, MT. The community is primarily Native American and she has taught several generations of Native American students and has deep bonds to the community. Karen’s husband passed away a few years ago. She became bedridden because of her weight, but recently moved to Gallatin Rest Home where their staff and rehab have gotten her walking again. Her daughter and two grandkids (20 & 24 years old) live in Belgrade. She is looking for a friend to talk with, play cards or pinochle with, and give her general encouragement to get walking again! In recent months she has become depressed, so someone to lift her spirits is great too!
Special Consideration: Karen is not allowed to leave the facility she lives at and she does have some memory loss so may be confused about certain events at times.
Dorothy W, 92 years old
Dorothy recently moved to Montana from Illinois. She lives with her granddaughter in Gallatin Gateway, her house resides on the river at the entrance to the road to Big Sky. Dorothy would like more social support. Dorothy is lonely and wishes she had someone to paint with her. Maybe go to Arts on Fire occasionally. One of her closest friends is also from a senior support group similar to Befrienders. Since she had to move to Montana she no longer can see her but they stay in touch. Dorothy worked at a fabric store most of her life and very much enjoyed it. She loves social connections and is excited about this new journey in Montana. Special Consideration: On a walker but has to use a motorized Wheelchair for distances greater than 100 feet.
Doug R, Male , 72 years old match in progress
Doug lives in Bozeman, he and his wife moved here about 3 ½ years ago. Doug was born in Michigan and then later moved to New Hampshire where he met his wife of 40 years. Together they have 3 kids, all of which live very close. He has built a couple custom log homes, was a blacksmith and a farm manager. He’s hoping to see his friend Monday and/or Wednesday mornings. Doug does have Alzheimers but is still very active, someone to go for walks or even XC skiing would be great! Special Considerations: Alzheimers.
Sonja B, 84 years old
Sonja lives alone in Belgrade, her neighbors who were a big support system for her recently moved to Ennis. She calls herself a horseaholic and has a huge passion for them, along with being a 4H leader for 50 years. Sonja said she is lonesome because she is no longer able to drive. She would like to run errands with her befriender and keep socializing with people. She enjoys community activities, telling life stories, and leaving the house. Sonja said her house is hard to get into so she prefers to meet up for outings. Sonja is very social and enjoys human connection. Special Consideration: She was recently diagnosed with dementia, she is still independent but no longer drives due to high blood pressure.
Brenda L, 63 years old
Lives in Bozeman at Brookdale Spring Meadows. Grew up in Dillion and lived at Seeley Lake. Brenda has an older brother who lives in Bozeman. She has lived at Brookdale Spring Meadows for 13 years, due to having multiple strokes, but has recuperated well. Brenda is very enthusiastic about getting a Befriender and spending quality time with someone. Bredna enjoys going for rides, walks, loves to shop/window shop especially at thrift stores. She enjoys collecting rocks and painting them. She likes to be busy and would like an energetic Befriender. Brenda also is hoping for a friend closer to her age so they can relate to each other. Special Consideration: Brenda has had a few strokes years ago so she lives at an assisted living.
Todd F, Male, 51 years old
Originally from Fargo, ND, Todd pursued a business degree in Mankato before settling down with his wife and two kids in Four Corners. Todd is very active, he has a guide dog and three cats that he very much enjoys, Todd is very social and likes to crack jokes. He recently assembled the Montana Association of the Blind Convention here in Bozeman. Todd enjoys making people laugh, cooking dinner for his family, and listening to Podcasts. Todd would enjoy someone with a sense of humor, someone to go for walks with, and grab lunch too. Todd is blind so while his family is away at school and work, he spends time at home alone. He would like some company during the day and he gets along great with women, sometimes he has a hard time befriending men but is open to whomever! Special Consideration: Todd is blind which limits his social interactions and he spends a lot of time at home alone while his family is at school and work.
Suzy S, 79 years old
Suzy was originally from Illinois but moved to MT 40 years ago. She recently was moved into memory care and had a Befriender who moved away. Her husband said Suzy benefited greatly from having a Befriender and an outgoing volunteer is great for her too. Suzy was a social worker and had her own practice. She loves human connection and being around people. Suzy is obsessed with her dog and is a huge dog lover! A Befriender that will want to get her out of the facility to go for walks, lunch, and to get outside more, would do great with Suzy. Special Consideration: Suzy has early/mid Alzheimer’s, she will need someone who can encourage her to do things because she changes her mind often.
Patti K, Bozeman, 84 years old
Patti lives by the Les Schwab on Frontage in Bozeman. She used to work in Yellowstone National Park, and went to school in Billings. Patti also used to play organ for multiple churches in her past. Patti has 5 cats and she loves to listen to music, watch the TV, and read. She would love someone that can come visit her in the early afternoon. She would also love to occasionally get out while her son is at work. Patti is very sweet and loves company. She has spent most of her life in Billings, Montana and loves it there. Her son currently takes care of her at their home. She loves interaction, and is also interested in going out and spending time downtown. Patti has a Befriender who visits her each week but will be gone for summer and could use another friendly face spending time with her. Special Considerations: Patti has some short memory loss and may have trouble recalling certain events in her life.
Joyce S, 77 years old match in progress
Joyce lives by Hyalite canyon, she lives with her husband and their dog. Joyce spends a lot of time alone watching TV and needs more engagement. Joyce used to be an avid sewer, quilter, crafter, and loves to be outside. Joyce had a stroke in 2018 which affected her memory and in the last year she has lost a lot of her independence. Joyce would like to get back into crafting, sewing, or quilting with the help of a Befriender. She is still very mobile and would love to go for a walk or out into the community, so a mix of both; hanging at her house as well as being active. Joyce doesn’t know what to expect from a Befriender but she loves connection and is open to meeting someone who can reteach her some old hobbies or learn together again. Special consideration: mild cognitive impairment due to a stroke in 2018 along with early Alzheimers.
Kamini B, 81 years old
Kamini is new to Montana, and wants to make new friends! She recently moved here from Michigan and is originally from Trinidad. She recently moved into her own apartment in downtown Bozeman, and is excited to get more confident and connected in her new home. Kamini loves to cook and read, and would love to have a friend to show her around Bozeman and socialize with. She loves dogs too, so if someone wants to bring their dog and go for walks! She is hoping to get connected with the Senior Center and spend time meeting new people. She loves country music, any kind of country music, she loves it! She has 1 daughter who lives on the outskirts of Bozeman. Kamini is hoping for an older volunteer but gets along great with younger people too and may need two Befrienders, she is also hoping to have a friend help her with iphone help as well. Special Consideration: Balance
Gloria W, 78 years old
Gloria is originally from Iowa and moved to Big Sky to work at Lone Mountain Ranch with her husband. She lives off of Oak Street now. Gloria’s job at LMR was in housekeeping then was promoted to office work later on. All three of Gloria’s children live in Bozeman and she enjoys seeing them. Gloria hopes to play games with her Befriender, go for walks with her scooter, and have conversations. Any day of the week works for her to meet except on Wednesdays. Her favorite games are Soduko and Yahtzee but is open to learning new games. She enjoys watching the weather and loves her cat Pumpkin. Special consideration: Gloria has chronic pain, she uses a walker and scooter but has limited mobility. Mostly homebound.
Mike C, Male, 78 years old
Mike is very lonely, he has some disabilities that limit his ability to get out, make new friends, and spends much of his time alone. He lives with his wife and their son near MSU and he enjoys gardening, reading, his dogs are very important to him, he enjoys sports, and loves going camping in his camper. Mike is considered deaf and uses hearing aids but can’t always comprehend what people are saying so he uses creative listening to understand people. Mike used to do a lot of woodwork and went to school for Philosophy. Special consideration: Has aches and pains which limit his ability to be active and is deaf so hard to hear people when talking but uses creative listening to understand what is being said.
Barb V, 72 years old On Hold til May
Barb lives in Churchill by herself and is a fun, outgoing individual. She is a retired nurse and has three sons, and 13 grandchildren. She has 1 cat and 1 dog that she loves so much! She grew up in Michigan and is a lovely lady. She doesn’t get much social interaction these days which has been hard for her. Her hobbies are quilting and using other creative outlets to engage herself. She lives out of town and doesn’t have as much social interaction anymore. Special consideration: Recovering from a knee injury so some mobility loss but gets herself around town just fine.
Gwen L, 95 years old
Gwen resides at Brookdale Spring Meadows, she is so lovely and kind. She loves it when people visit her, it’s not too often she gets company but she considers the staff there her good friends. She appreciates social connection and would love to have a companion with whom she could talk about life and her Christian values. She also would love to get out for a drive and possibly do activities with her. She is wheelchair-bound but is working on building more strength in her hip so she can walk again. Gwen loves to do Art and read her bible. She has a very strong connection with God, he is a big part of her life. She would benefit from someone who has beliefs similar to hers. Gwen also loves Beets and appreciates it when friends bring them to her! Gwen has Befriender that loves visiting with her each week, but she will be leaving in May for the summer, Gwen could benefit from someone visiting this Summer. Special Considerations: Gwen has some hearing loss and limited mobility but can get around in a wheelchair. She may have some short-term memory as well.
Nora L, 79 years old
Nora is awesome! She has been in Bozeman for 32 years, she is very kind, funny, and loves to conversate about anything. She is very open to the world around her and understands that life is full of hardships, she has always opened her doors to people who need someone to talk to. Nora plays the accordion and loves to do Puzzles. She has two cats that she loves dearly and likes to keep busy. She spends a lot of her time alone and doesn’t have any family. She would love to make a new friend to have someone to visit with! Nora lives near Oak and 19th. Nora doesn’t have much support in the community, she needs a friend that can be an advocate for her, especially in the winter months, she sometimes can’t get her car cleaned off of snow and will be stuck at home, someone who can support Nora and she loves kids. Special Considerations: Nora can walk around but uses a walker to help her, she has some vertigo and is losing her vision.
Georgia K, 97 years old
Georgia lives at Highgate and has been in Montana for a long time, working as a secretary at MSU and local banks. Originally from Minnesota, she grew up on a farm and continued farming when she married and had three sons. She moved to Montana and retired early to take care of her husband who suffered from a TBI in his 50’s. Georgia was always very passionate about work and that is her main interest. Special Considerations: Georgia is currently confined to a wheelchair but is having physical therapy hoping to be able to walk again with a walker. Hard of hearing.
Zelpha B, 90 years old
Zelpha lives alone in an apartment near Smiths. She has 3 daughters and used to be a teacher. She volunteers at the Senior Center thrift store and enjoys gardening and knitting. When she found out about Befrienders she was immediately intrigued and signed herself up right away! Special Considerations: Uses a walker, scooter, poor hearing and bad eyesight.
Dorothy W, 84 years old
Dorothy lives near Costco. She loves music and is very sweet. She no longer drives and misses getting out into the community. Her family has been visiting for a few weeks, so she has been very busy, but when they leave, she will be excited to have a new friend to hang out with. Special Considerations: Uses a walker and vision isn't great.
Livingston Seniors in Need
Stephen E, Livingston, Male, 85 years old
Stephen lives in Livingston at an assisted living, he is an upbeat guy who enjoys making friends. Originally he was from Detroit but has lived in Montana for a long time. Stephen loves making friends and enjoys when people come to visit. He wants to engage in more activities and have conversations with someone.
Saundra L, Livingston, 83 years old
Saundra lives in Livingston at an assisted living, in the past she has waited tables, worked as a school secretary, worked in real estate, and also became an insurance secretary. Saundra also has 2 sons. She often feels lonely and spends a lot of time in her room. She isn’t an extrovert but when someone comes in to talk with her and sit, it helps her feel better. Saundra loves cats, music, and loves to have conversation when she isn’t tired. Special Considerations: Has some vision loss.
Last edited: 04/23/25
