Archive · 2 Feb 2026
US Woman Finds Family in 90-Year-Old Neighbor
A young woman named Colleen moved to a new home in Los Angeles with her husband.
Across the street, she met an elderly couple, Shirley and Ken, who had lived there for 60 years.
Colleen and Shirley became close friends, and when Colleen had a baby, Shirley helped take care of him.
They spent time together, had dinners, and Shirley even lent Colleen her walking stick when she was sick.
Shirley also helped with the baby so Colleen could work.
A video of Shirley holding the baby went viral on Instagram, showing how important neighbors can be.
Many people don't have family support, and this story shows how neighbors can become like family.
Shirley even said that taking care of the baby was good for her health.
It's a sweet story about friendship and support.
Colleen Bordeaux and her husband moved to Los Angeles and befriended their 90-year-old neighbor Shirley Dionzon and her 92-year-old husband Ken.
Shirley provided significant support to Colleen during her pregnancy and after the birth of her baby, Ryder.
A video of Shirley holding Ryder went viral on Instagram, highlighting the importance of neighborly support.
The 2025 American Family Survey revealed that nearly 70% of people feel raising children is beyond their reach due to lack of support.
Shirley's involvement in caring for Ryder has been beneficial for her mental health, as studies show that grandparents who care for their grandchildren have a lower risk of dementia.
- Who
- Colleen Bordeaux and her 90-year-old neighbor Shirley Dionzon
- What
- A heartwarming friendship developed between a young mother and her elderly neighbor, leading to mutual support and care
- When
- The friendship began in 2021, and the viral video was posted on Instagram
- Where
- Los Angeles, California, USA
- Why
- Colleen and her husband lacked close family support in Los Angeles, and Shirley and her husband provided the necessary support, especially after the birth of their baby
- Colleen Bordeaux
- 39-year-old woman who moved to Los Angeles
- Shirley Dionzon
- 90-year-old neighbor who became a close friend
- Ken Dionzon
- Shirley's 92-year-old husband
- Ryder
- Colleen Bordeaux's 7-month-old baby
- 2025 American Family Survey
- Revealed that nearly 70% of people feel raising children is beyond their reach
- Grandparents in China
- Have a lower risk of dementia when caring for grandchildren