Every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., Marie Fegley, a resident of Ecumen Lakeshore in Duluth, transforms herself into “Aunt Daisy” and spends the next hour transporting children to a world of make-believe.

It’s story time at Little Treasures Daycare in Duluth, and Marie, wearing a dust cap and apron, reads to the children and takes them to faraway places.  Before retiring to Ecumen Lakeshore three years ago, the native New Zealander managed a bookstore out East, where she started a story time for children.

She continued her reading program at Little Treasures, which serves at-risk children.  Ecumen teamed up with Little Treasures three years ago to create an inter-generational program to foster the healthy development of children and increase the quality of life of older adults.  At the time, Little Treasures needed a permanent home, and Ecumen had some unfinished extra space at Lakeshore that was converted into the daycare center with donations from local civic organizations, individuals and foundations. 

Marie was recently recognized for her work there by the Northlands NewsCenter in Duluth, which told her story in its regular “Making a Difference” segment.   Click here to link to the television station’s video.

Thank you, Marie Fegley, for all that you do for the children of Little Treasures.  We honor you.