After Six Decades Four Best Friends Were Reunited by Chance

When four best friends graduated from high school in 1955, life took them in different directions. Although they tried to stay connected, they eventually lost touch. Decades later, in their 80s, their connection would be so strong that it would eventually draw them back together in a heartwarming reunion.

Back in the 1950s, four best friends— Sylvia Crane, Joan Harris, Mary Grace Tassone and Elsie Webb—jumped up when they heard a nun ring the lunchtime bell at Mt. St. Mary’s Academy, a small Catholic high school in Grass Valley, California. It alerted them that the home- made root beer was ready, so they grabbed their money and dashed down to the school’s basement. For just a quarter, they enjoyed the drink with a candy bar, a sweet daily ritual that they cherished.

The best friends shared this and countless other memories, like giggling about the boyfriends that Joan and Sylvia had, fellow classmates fighting over the school’s one bathroom and drumming up nicknames for one another. Sylvia was “Sliver” (for her tall and slender frame), Joan was “Sudsy” (a play off her lengthy Polish maiden name) and Mary Grace was known as “The Brain” (she was valedictorian). Elsie, always independent, preferred simply, “Elsie.”

Friends forever, the four believed in their hearts, looking forward to sharing a lifetime of precious moments and adventures.

Separate journeys

However, after graduating in 1955, in a time without cell phones, social media or the internet, staying connected was challenging. Sylvia stayed in Grass Valley. Joan lived in numerous places. Mary Grace went away to nursing school in San Francisco before building a career in her hometown. Elsie moved a couple of towns over.

Five years after they graduated, the friends got together again at Elsie’s house for a party, but despite their best efforts, they eventually drifted apart.

Over the decades, life continued. Mary Grace built a successful nursing career. The others married and had children. They suffered the death of spouses, divorces and remarriages. And as their lives took various twists and turns, each woman often thought back to the wonderful memories and friend- ship they had at Mt. St. Mary’s Academy, and it brought them joy and comfort.

Then as they entered their 80s, something amazing happened. Each, now on their own, started looking into retirement communities. Separately and unbeknownst to each other, they all ended up selecting the same place back in their hometown called Atria Senior Living.

Together again

Mary Grace was the first to enter Atria in December of 2021. Elsie arrived next in March 2023. She was astounded to see her old buddy sitting in the rec room, recognizing her right away.

“I was so happy to see Mary Grace at Atria!” Elsie says. “To have someone who knows me and already has that shared connection was just wonderful.”

Joan and Sylvia came along two months later, both in May. “Mary Grace was the first lady I saw here at Atria, and I was pleasantly surprised and happy to see her so healthy and doing well!” Joan shares.

Sylvia echoes that sentiment. “It was nice to walk into a place and look around and see, oh, my gosh, we’ve got four of us here who grew up together. I was so happy to see familiar faces.”

The women see each other at meals, participate in activities, work on jigsaw puzzles together and often talk about old times. Now, they are creating new, wonderful memories. Mary Grace, known for her warm hugs, was recently honored as Resident of the Month. Joan shares her artistic talents with the ladies, having studied with famous artists. Sylvia, the social butterfly, keeps everyone connected and entertained, while Elsie—still fiercely independent—enjoys her freedom but cherishes the company of her friends.

Today, their bond is stronger than ever. When they’re together, it’s as if they’ve stepped back into their high school days, which, they all agree, were some of the best years of their lives.