IN GRATITUDE
Marian Lupu founded Pima Council on Aging in 1967 and led it for forty years. When older adults in this county needed something, she did not wait to be asked. On Wednesday, October 21, at our Powerful Voices of Older Adults breakfast, PCOA presented the first Marian Lupu Legacy Awards to two women who work the same way. Honoring Marian Lupu’s Legacy in Our Community
Meghan McCaffery has worked at PCOA in our Rights and Benefits department for almost five years. She is dedicated to serving older adults in her role, providing advocacy, assistance, resources and guidance with a wide range of issues and topics. In late August, at the Tucson Electric Power (TEP) In Person Agency Partner Summit (IPAPS), Meghan was honored with a New Frontiers award. This award recognizes Community Partners who expand access and serve new or underserved communities. She was given this award for her advocacy, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) reapplication support, and helping older adults find a clear path to assistance. This was TEP’s first time giving awards to Community Partners at their annual IPAPS event. Meghan feels honored to be recognized by TEP for her work with older adults. ◆ Meghan McCaffery Awarded TEP Recognition for Service
L’Don Sawyer received the Professional Legacy Award. For more than 25 years, at TMC for Seniors, St. Luke’s Home, Catholic Community Services, and Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona, she has built programs shaped by what older adults say they want. She worked alongside Marian and taught this com- munity that respect begins with the words we use.
Algurie Wilson received the Volunteer Legacy Award. President of the
Coalition for African American Health and Wellness, she brings healthy aging, advance directives, and dementia education to health fairs, churches, and widows’ groups, with deep roots in Tucson’s African American community. She was one of Pima County’s first Dementia Friends Champions. Neither one waits to be asked. Congratulations, L’Don and Algurie. ◆
Page 4 | November & December 2026, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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