At Solstice, our communities shine because of the people who call them home—our residents. This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the wonderful women of Solstice, whose strength, kindness and stories contribute to vibrant living at each community. Each brings a lifetime of experiences, perspective and wisdom worth honoring. Today, we’re proud to share the stories of three of these inspiring women of Solstice.
Mary Alice McLarty, Solstice at Austin
Mary Alice McLarty, a resident of Solstice at Austin, had a trailblazing and monumentally impactful career as a trial lawyer, and is affectionately known as “Mary Alice from Dallas.”
Born in the Texas Panhandle, Mary Alice was outraged by injustice from a young age. After having her three children, she became a lawyer at age 37 and went on to dedicate her career to helping the underdog and fighting for justice. Although she was taught that women should be quiet and timid, she proved that confidence, not silence, is what opens doors, and used her voice boldly to uplift and advocate for her clients in a wide range of cases, from securing life-changing outcomes for catastrophically injured individuals to representing victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Mary Alice’s noble legal work earned her the George Woods NAACP Civil Rights Award in 1991 and led her to serve a term as president of the American Association for Justice in 2012. She has met multiple United States presidents (in fact, then Vice President Joe Biden ran over to say hello to her at President Barack Obama’s inauguration) and now has a published memoir, “Spark of Justice: The Evolution of a Woman Champion of Justice,” which is a series of life anecdotes written for her eight grandchildren.
Apart from her inspiring career, Mary Alice has enjoyed golf and tennis since her youth. After retirement, she traveled extensively for eight years, from Chile to the Arctic Circle. Mary Alice from Dallas will turn 80 in 2026 and is a deeply cherished member of the Solstice at Austin community.
Betty Blunt, Solstice at Apple Valley
Betty Blunt, an enthusiastic, 104-year-old resident of Solstice at Apple Valley, has lived a vibrant life since she was born on March 4, 1922. Known for her free spirit and joy, Betty’s energy and spirit continue to brighten the community every day.
A lifelong singer and dancer, Betty fondly recalls tap dancing during her childhood in Peoria, Ariz. Later, she moved to Kansas, where she became a basketball star and purchased her beloved yellow 1929 Thunderbird, a car she continued to proudly drive until the age of 96.
Betty has now called California home for many decades; she and her husband lived in San Diego, Victorville and Hesperia, entering and thriving in the real estate business along the way. As the matriarch of her family, Betty has 50-plus descendants now living in the High Desert—no one knows the exact number.
Betty’s bright, irreplaceable spirit is a gift that brightens every day at Solstice. Although she’s no longer able to dance the way she used to, and she’s parked the Thunderbird, she maintains her quick wit and humor, citing “lots of praying, lots of vodka” as her secret to longevity.
Carolyn Maur, Solstice at Joliet
Carolyn Maur is a friendly and adored resident of Solstice at Joliet, where her warmth and caring nature are felt throughout the community.
Carolyn broke barriers in her career as one of the first female members of the United States Air Force—even now, only approximately one in five members is a woman. During her service, Carolyn worked with weather balloons, playing a crucial role for airmen safety. Although she spent her service working with balloons from the ground, she never fulfilled her dream of riding a hot air balloon herself—until 2024, when Solstice and AARP teamed up to help her check it off her bucket list.
Besides her remarkable service history and the occasional airborne excursion, Carolyn continues to lead with purpose at Solstice as the community’s Resident Council president, working hard to make sure life in the community is the best it can be. Known for her passion, advocacy and consideration for her fellow residents, she has helped shape Solstice at Joliet into the welcoming and vibrant community it is. From serving her country to serving her community, Carolyn is an incredible woman, and we’re fortunate to have her call Solstice home.
We are proud to honor the stories of Mary Alice, Betty and Carolyn, and the countless others at Solstice like them. Their lived experiences are what give our communities their heart, and we’re grateful to be a place where stories and passions are shared, valued and continued every day. From all of us at Solstice, happy Women’s History Month!