Netta Schucco, her son Chuck (left),
and his partner Ron (right)

In the last year or two, I have met a lot of men and women in their 60s and 70s who feel they have no identity. Their careers are finished, their children are grown, and their calendars are filled with doctor appointments. Some are fortunate to have grandchildren to fill their time; others still feel that is not enough.

That is why I was captivated by “The Sun City Sinner,” a 2012 self-published book by Netta Schucco. Netta started writing this book when she was 79. It took her five years to finish it, but she was determined to do so.

“I needed to tell seniors what happened to me,” Netta said. “Anyone who has lost a beloved spouse, a lover, a partner, will definitely understand why I wanted to get my message out. I had no idea that such a change could take place in me.”

Netta’s story reveals the “senior side of the strip” in Sun City. After raising five children in Boston, working most of her life, and losing her husband, Netta found herself in a strange new life that brought some of the happiest times she can remember.

Her book is so explicit that Netta’s children asked her to use her maiden name so certain family members could not identify the matriarch. Netta is the mother of my friend Chuck. He helped edit the book even though he felt like closing his eyes at some of the revelations.

DigiDame applauds Netta who, at 79, signed up for computer and writing classes to get this project done. “Despite all my degrees, I was computer ignorant. I began writing longhand while learning the new technologies.” Netta’s story teaches us how to value our senior years and gain a new sense of independence.