Out of Isolation: Gary Wiemer's Story

Gary Wiemer has two PhDs from U.C. Berkeley, one in East Asian Studies and the other in Psychology. He was also the general manager of the Sheraton Hotel just outside of Chicago for 20 years. He managed 300 employees. No small job.

When presidents and other VIPs came to town, Gary was the point man. “I got to know Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter,” he says while holding up photos they signed for him. “They stayed at the Sheraton whenever they were in Chicago.”

Gary recounts the time he was asked to stand with Ted Kennedy at a wedding, in which the senator was the best man.

Gary and his wife Sue with First Lady Rosalynn Carter

It was also at the Sheraton where Gary met his wife Sue who was born in Japan. She worked in marketing. Her clients were mostly Japanese business people.

After retiring, Gary and Sue moved to the Bay Area to complete his second PhD in psychology. He performed clinical work, which he found very satisfying.

But in the mid 90s, Sue was diagnosed with cancer. She also had respiratory problems, which she felt was made worse by the salty air in the Bay Area. The couple decided to move to Sacramento.

Virginia Wieneke became good friends with Gary’s wife, Sue.

Before long, Sue discovered ACC and became good friends with Virginia Wieneke who was just starting up ACC’s transportation program, ACC Rides. Sue became a volunteer in ACC’s then day respite program. Says Gary, “Being with other people was the best medicine for Sue’s condition. Sue worked with Anna Su and the two became very close.”

Eventually, Sue passed away. Gary and Sue didn’t have children, so there was no one he could rely on for support. Gary became withdrawn and isolated. It was a very different life for someone who was in the people business his entire career.

Gary decided he was not going to live the rest of his life alone. He reached out to Virginia for help. She introduced him to ACC’s social worker Soojin Yoo and to other services in ACC Programs. Gary now participates in Senior Yoga, Easy Tai Chi, Senior Workout, and other activities at ACC.

“I live alone, but when I come here, I’m a different person,” says Gary.

ACC has changed Gary’s life. He says, “You get involved in the programs and classes and you develop a relationship with people. You’re doing something together which is for your benefit. I live alone, but when I come here, I’m a different person. The connection with others with others so fulfilling. There’s a lot of empathy and happiness here.”