Sisters Mildred Lemonds, Kathryine Garner and Hazel Dalton were always close.

Before they retired, Lemonds, 90, Garner, 88, and Dalton, 86, spent time together bargain shopping at yard sales, sharing lunch or doing charity needlework projects.

They had day jobs, too.

Lemonds worked at Hanson Manufacturing Company in Monroe and was a supervisor for 21 years. Garner was a supervisor for 25 years for Walton Clothes in Loganville, and Dalton worked at the mill in Porterdale.

But as the years passed, they were less able to get together and enjoy each other’s company. The sister’s once lively relationship was eventually restricted to telephone conversations.

Garner and Dalton moved into assisted care facilities. Lemonds followed.

At Covington Manor, Lemonds and Dalton were reunited. With help from Administrator C.L. Johnson, the two were placed in a room together.

Shortly afterward, Garner joined them, and the staff created an apartment-like suite for the siblings.

Now, they again stay busy.

They visit the in-house beauty salon once a week and the nail salon every other week. They participate in Bingo, crafts, outdoor picnics and family luncheons, ice cream socials and monthly birthday parties for the residents.