WC People: Meet Jean, Penny & Chris

WC People is an ongoing series of profiles of residents, staff, volunteers and others associated with Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. Our community brings together men and women from all walks of life with amazing stories to tell. We are proud to share them with you.

After Jean Corletto moved to Hampton Roads from England in 1964, she started a career in nursing. Jean first worked at Norfolk General Hospital, and then discovered life on the water as a nursing supervisor at The Hoy Health Care Center at Westminster-Canterbury.

Fast-forward to today, and she cannot believe the influence WC has had on her life. Her daughter Penny runs Westminster’s Country Store; her grandson, Chris, is the dining room supervisor; and, after 23 years working at WC, Jean now lives here.

Jean and her daughter, Penny, picking out scarves in the Country Store.

“Westminster has been a huge part of our lives,” says Penny. “Between the three of us, we’ve been in almost every department, from the kitchen to reception to security.”

Their family and Westminster-Canterbury are seemingly joined at the hip.

“I’ve really been involved with Westminster my entire life,” Chris says. “I remember spending snow days here when I was little and volunteering during high school. I worked here on breaks from college and even received the WC Scholarship each year.”

Penny began at WC in 1991 when Chris was just four months old.

“Between the career and volunteer opportunities, the living arrangements for my mom and the financial assistance for school, Westminster has touched so many aspects of our lives,” Penny says. “We’ve formed lifelong memories and friendships here.”

Jean and Chris enjoying a game of ping pong at WC

Jean continues to create those friendships as a resident. She’s head of the WC Pongers club, which has more than 30 members. She joined because she always loved tennis.

“Ping pong is something most people haven’t thought of playing but once they start, they really like it,” Jean says. “We can get very competitive, but we always fun.”

“I can’t beat her!” Penny says. “At ping pong or tennis!” But it’s sure nice to have mom so close by for a friendly game, whoever comes out on top.  

Penny, Jean and Chris enjoying time together.