Monte da Palhagueira || Tributes have been pouring in following the death of Monte da Palhagueira nursing home founder, Mary Cornelius-Reid.
The former nurse who founded a chain of upmarket nursing homes – Monte da Palhagueira opening in 1991 – died on January 14 after a short illness.
Her passing has been mentioned in a number of papers, including the Times which has a special online tributary guestbook open until mid-February.
Messages left include poignant words from Portugal: “There is a great sadness hanging over Palhagueira village now that you have left us. It is never going to be the same without your enthusiastic guidance and leadership. Do please keep an eye upon us and steer our new leaders in your inspired way as ever.”
The Salisbury Journal – the paper of Mary’s hometown of Amesbury, Wiltshire – carried the words of her daughter Rosemary Reid, who said: “In the mid-70s she was the first person to come up with the concept of sheltered housing in the grounds of a nursing home. It was that vision that led to her getting the MBE in 2001 for services to health care.
“Her success was down to her attention to detail and her personal touch. She cared about everyone who came in and was a stickler for things being right.
“She was a successful and gifted business person without any formal training. But she was not penny-pinching and had marvellous taste.”
Monte da Palhagueira, in Gorjões, near Santa Bárbara de Nêxe was voted the best overseas retirement development in 2005, when it also won a Readers’ Choice Gold award for “Homes Overseas”.
Other nursing homes in the Amesbury Abbey Group that flourished under Mary Cornelius-Reid can all be found in the UK.
