It was the 1990s when David stumbled across an article in a newsletter from Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley titled “A Place to Call Home.” 

The title alone pulled at something deep — the simple, powerful truth that aging in place with dignity means nothing without a place to call home.

The article was written by Rosanne, then the longtime Executive Director of Elder Services. Her message was clear: services alone aren’t enough. If we truly want to honor our seniors, we must ensure they have safe, affordable housing to grow older in. Inspired, David reached out to her — and the spark was immediate.

From that day forward, Rosanne and David became what some might call a “dangerous combination.”

Dangerous in the best possible way — bold, mission-driven, and completely unwilling to accept “no” when the right thing needed to be done.

At the time, David had learned of a potential housing opportunity, but the application required a nonprofit with an established track record. CHOICE was still in its infancy. No matter. “Don’t worry,” he told Rosanne, “we’ll take care of everything — predevelopment funds, consultants, permitting, oversight. We just need you to believe in it enough to sign on.”

And believe she did.

After consulting with her board, Rosanne came back with her signature quiet strength and simply said, “Why not — let’s do it.” With that, a new chapter began. Together, Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley,* CHOICE, and the Chelmsford Housing Authority joined forces to build over 50 units of much-needed senior housing. It wasn’t just a development — it was a dream realized, brick by brick, by people who believed fiercely in their missions and in one another.

The groundbreaking was unforgettable. We could barely keep Rosanne off the construction equipment — she wanted to be part of every single moment. And when it came time to open the doors, she was there again, smiling as we welcomed the first residents home.

Even as she planned her retirement, Rosanne remained fully invested. She worked closely with CHOICE to ensure the project was transferred into our full care — not as a handoff, but as a legacy. Her ability to trust, to partner, to think beyond her tenure and ensure what she started would continue — that’s the kind of leadership that leaves a mark.

Rosanne never said no without a very good reason. She led with heart, fought for people others might have overlooked, and always put mission over ego.

She will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Because she didn’t just write about giving people “a place to call home.” She helped build one — and in doing so, she gave us all something to believe in.

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*Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley is now known as AgeSpan

Photo caption: Rosanne Distefano receiving an honor from Lawrence mayor Dan Rivera in July 2025. Photo by Reba Saldanha, courtesy of The Eagle-Tribune.