The Lyons’ Story: Embracing Lifelong Passions at VMRC

Retirement is a time to nurture lifelong passions, cultivate meaningful connections and even explore new horizons. At Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC), we believe that a retirement community should be more than just a place to reside; it should be a place that fosters engagement of the body, mind and spirit.

As Carter and Mary Ellen Lyon aptly put it, “There are so many different places to go, so many activities.” Initially, retirement only meant travel and exploration for the Lyons’. However, when friends spoke enthusiastically about the benefits of living in a retirement community, they put their names on the list. At VMRC they were thrilled to find a welcoming community that surpassed their expectations.

Residents here often find joy and fulfillment in contributing to our community’s vibrant atmosphere. We offer a multitude of committees, events and shared activities for residents to get involved on campus. To make an impact on their community, the Lyons’ decided to share their love of music. Music, in their view, is not just a pastime but a means to connect and bring people together. Carter and his group play for residents on Friday afternoons and occasionally at Hotel Madison.

From diverse activities and community engagement to opportunities for pursuing lifelong passions, our goal is to exceed the expectations of our residents and their families. In doing this, we create an environment where residents say, “We couldn’t be happier with the choice that we made. We are proud to say that VMRC is a place that residents fondly refer to as “home.”