Neighbor News
A Spooktacular Halloween at Sunrise of Prospect Heights
Ghouls, goblins, and a family connection to the Salem Witch Trials
As grade-school ghouls, superheroes, and witches walked the halls of Sunrise of Prospect Heights trick-or-treating, they had no idea that a descendant of one of the most well-known figures from the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 lived just down the hall.
Sunrise of Prospect Heights resident Karen Dutil is the seventh great-granddaughter of Rebecca Towne, born Rebecca Nurse, a 71-year-old grandmother tried as a witch in 1692. "She had 27 grandchildren, and the family tried to get her off," Dutil told NBC 5. "A brave woman ... she refused to lie,” Dutil said. “She told the truth even if it killed her. I think in modern-day she would have been a feminist."
Watch “Prospect Heights woman discovers ancestor was killed in Salem Witch Trials”
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“You could hear the pride in Karen’s voice when she talked about her ancestors and likened her grandmother to a modern-day feminist,” said Annette Berkawicz, Sunrise’s Activity and Volunteer Coordinator. “Karen’s story and her life experience are meant to be shared. Like so many Sunrise residents, she’s a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration.”
A Spooktacular Week for Residents and Local Grade Schools
Find out what's happening in Arlington Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Residents of Sunrise tapped into their artistic sides to create a spooky and festive atmosphere for the community’s Halloween celebrations. A group of residents decorated pumpkins with unique personalities, while another resident hand-sewed a stuffed tabletop witch to greet visitors. Dressed in Halloween costumes, Sunrise residents and team members handed out candy to students from Anne Sullivan Elementary School and later celebrated with family and friends at a community-wide Halloween party.
Sunrise of Prospect Heights, one of the newest Sunrise Senior Living communities, is located at 708 N Elmhurst Rd, Prospect Heights. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 847-818-1808 or visit the Sunrise of Prospect Heights website. Mark your calendar for Sunrise’s Autumn Harvest Wine Pair event on Nov. 21 and Holiday Happy Hour on Dec. 12.
