Marie Carpenter Swims Her Way To Wellness

Marie Carpenter, currently enjoying her first anniversary as a resident of St. James Place, is the perfect example of someone taking advantage of one of our community’s amenities to remain active and maintain their wellness. For Marie, that means the pool. 

Born in Scranton, PA — made famous by the Harry Chapin song, 30,000 Pounds of Bananas — Marie grew up in what she describes as a “vigorous scouting community.” Marie’s husband, Dewey, also grew up in Scranton as part of the scouting community.  

“Our participation in the summer Girl and Boy Scout camps shaped our lives,” says Marie. “For me, camp waterfronts, water swim strokes and synchronized swimming water shows were all part of that experience.” 

At Duke University in Durham, NC, Marie took part in women’s athletics focusing on a program of music design with synchronized swimming, the forerunner of today’s competitive Olympic event now known as “Artistic Swimming.” 

Marie and Dewey were married in 1955, shortly after he received his doctorate in physical chemistry. The couple had three children, Paul, Luther and Barbara, raising their children around the country as Dewey’s academic career evolved taking him from Georgia Tech to Dartmouth, Stanford and, finally, LSU which landed them in Baton Rouge. 
 
It was while living in New Hampshire, during Dewey’s tenure at Dartmouth, that Marie fell in love with sailing. “I discovered the beauty of small boats. We enjoyed many days on area lakes during that time, swimming and boating. Later, while living in La Porte, I made friends with another mom who was interested and we used the Golden Book, How to Sail as our guide while on Galveston Bay.” 

Not to be outdone, Dewey bought a book on sailboat racing, which ended up influencing the entire Carpenter family, most especially Luther, who has since become the longest-tenured and most successful coach in the history of US Olympic Sailing. 

When Dewey took a position as a professor at LSU, the family began sailing on False River at Pelican Yacht Club, where the young sailors shared their skills in sailing and racing. “These are the elements of a good life that we have lived here in Louisiana,” says Marie. “Our family has a long history of participating in science, music, sports, and religion. Dewey and I especially enjoyed a long period of sailing.” 

When Dewey retired in 1995, the couple remained in Baton Rouge. “We have long been interested in the Baton Rouge Symphony program,” Marie recalls, “and began participating in trips organized by St. James Place where we met some of the residents. Our involvement at First Presbyterian Church also introduced us to other St. James Place residents.” 

Dewey passed away in 2017. But even the loss of her husband didn’t stop Marie’s active lifestyle. “I had joined the YMCA 30 years ago and routinely went there to swim one-mile several times a week.”   
 
In 2020 the arrival of COVID-19 changed everything. “I lived a more solitary existence at home,” says Marie, “and saw the need for a more active social life. One day, my daughter Barbara and I decided to visit St. James Place. We had an enjoyable afternoon touring the facilities, having a very nice lunch, and looking at several apartment layouts. I was especially attracted to the swimming pool and the experience of light coming through the windows in the building.”  
 
It wasn’t just the pool at St. James Place that caught Marie’s attention. “The full social program was also attractive to me. I realized that I could have a rewarding and full life here.” Before visiting, Marie wasn’t aware of the wonderful amenities and activities available to all the residents, but she soon learned that they were so abundant and a perfect fit for her. 
 
So, after a full year at St. James Place, what are Marie’s thoughts? “I participate in many of the social and religious activities,” she says. “But most of all, I enjoy swimming and do so every other day. I’m a lap swimmer and swim for 45 minutes! The pool is very well maintained year-round. The exercise that I get is very important in maintaining a good state of health. I meet with friends every day and I am glad to be here.” 

St. James Place and its numerous amenities help keep our residents active, fit and able to enjoy all life has to offer. Marie Carpenter embodies all of that. We hope to see her swimming laps for many years to come. 

If you’d like to see what makes St. James Place the perfect community for so many seniors seeking an active retirement, call (225) 314-5857, to arrange a personal tour.