Celebrating Verna Mahnke: A Decade of Dedication to Neighbors Who Care

Robin Wilson

This year, Neighbors Who Care bids a heartfelt farewell to a remarkable member of our team: Verna Mahnke, whose decade of service has shaped our organization and touched countless lives.

Verna first retired in 2014 after a career in administration, accounting, and operations across the technology, retail tax, and food service distribution sectors. Tired of harsh winters and ready for a fresh start, she relocated to Sun Lakes. Not long after settling in, Verna came across a part-time listing in the Sun Lakes Splash for Neighbors Who Care. She applied and joined the team on Sept. 12, 2014. It didn’t take long for her to realize how essential she would become. Her scheduled hours grew, her responsibilities expanded, and when a staff member unexpectedly had to step away, Verna stepped up. She moved into a full-time position and would add supporting both the volunteer onboarding and managing the office overall to her duties.

When Eric Ehst, our longtime director, retired in 2020, Verna assumed even more responsibilities, including bookkeeping and office management as administrative director. Her leadership was instrumental in upgrading office systems, adopting new technology, and guiding the organization into a more modern and efficient era.

Though this was her first experience working in a volunteer-based organization, Verna embraced the mission wholeheartedly. She even began volunteering herself, driving clients to dialysis appointments—a service that is required more frequently and is often on Saturdays or after the Neighbors Who Care normal timeframe. The firsthand volunteering experience gave her a deeply personal understanding of both our clients and our volunteers, making her an even stronger advocate and administrator.

Beyond her professional contributions, Verna has been a warm and steady presence in the office. She has three grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, all family members she treasures deeply. While she will maintain her home here in Sun Lakes, Verna will be moving back to Colorado near her daughter. She is excited for her next chapter of activities, friends, and having more time to spend with family.

Verna leaves behind a legacy of compassion, commitment, and heart. She will be deeply missed by the staff, volunteers, and clients of Neighbors Who Care. We are grateful for everything she has given and we wish her joy and fulfillment in this next chapter of her life.

Thank you, Verna, for your extraordinary service. You will always be a part of the Neighbors Who Care family.

Neighbors Who Care Kicks Off the New Year with Our Aging Made Easier© Fall Conference!

Sheryl L. Keeme

Register now! It’s free

A new year always brings a fresh start and, with it, the chance to set meaningful New Year’s resolutions. This year, why not make your resolution one that truly supports your well-being?

Neighbors Who Care invites you to kick off 2026 by joining us at our 5th Annual Aging Made Easier Conference. This year’s theme, “Body, Brain, Balance,” highlights three essential elements for living well at every stage of aging.

We have some exciting activities planned. Along with our wonderful sponsors and vendors, we are thrilled to welcome Arizona State University Nursing students who will provide free health screenings throughout the event, among more than 45 senior services and resources to peruse.

Attendees will also receive an important resource tool designed to make doctors’ visits more productive and have the chance to win several fantastic door prizes offered only to those on-site.

Do something for yourself this new year. Mark your calendar for Jan. 27 and join us for a day of learning, wellness, and connection.

Our slate of speakers will address several areas of aging: maintaining our physical selves, caring for our brains and mental health, and remembering our spiritual lives, too. To register, visit AgingMadeEasier.org or Eventbrite.com, search online for Aging Made Easier 2026, or call Neighbors Who Care at 480-895-7133, X170.

Here is the speaker agenda for the morning:

9:10 a.m.: Ericka Avila Brian—Intention Setting for Learning

9:15 a.m.: Dr. Hemant Pandey—Helpful Brain Health Prevention

9:45 a.m.: Panel—Your Brain, Cognition, Mindfulness Health

10:50 a.m.: Shannon Wallace—Your Musical Memory Muscle—Work It!

11:15 a.m.: Ellen Anthony—Get the Most from Your Doctor Visits!

11:40 a.m.: Ericka Avila Brian—Mindfulness as a Spiritual Practice

When: Tuesday, Jan. 27. Doors open for attendees at 8 a.m., and the conference ends at noon.

Where: Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 23620 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, Ariz.

Cost: Free for all attendees

Registration Required: Secure your seat at neighborswhocare.com or Eventbrite.com or call Neighbors Who Care at 480-895-7133, X170.