Clara Freeman anticipated attending her oldest granddaughter's wedding. Liz and her fiancé, Denis, had picked a date for their beach nuptials, and Freeman could hardly wait.

With sparkling eyes and glowing cheeks, Freeman’s smile charms those she meets. Mother of nine, grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of four, she prizes her family above all else.

Active at age 85, Freeman lived on her own, enjoyed long walks around her Poplar Bluff, Mo., hometown, shopping at local clothing and antique stores. Last winter, however, her family noticed changes.