Feeling Right at Home at The Danish Home

Born in Poland, Danuta Eriksen felt completely at home when she moved to The Danish Home of Chicago in March of 2017. That’s because her late husband was Danish and so much of the couple’s life revolved around Danish foods and customs. In all, Danuta has been to Denmark six times.

“Our home was everything Danish,” said the former Danuta Burkot, who came to America from Poland in 1967. “My husband had five sisters, and we had a beautiful collection of Scandinavian plates, figurines, vases, porcelain,” she said in the Polish accent that tinges her perfect command of the English language.

Even before she made the boutique senior community her new home, Danuta had several friends associated with The Danish Home and was a dedicated volunteer at its annual Summerfest, preparing the popular smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) her husband loved so much.

Just recently, she was in The Danish Home’s kitchen sharing a favorite vegetable soup with Chef Roger Sukhu and other residents. “Danish people don’t know soup with red beets, but I showed them how to make a Russian borscht with beets from The Danish Home’s garden, using everything from the plants, including the leaves. Even our chef was impressed with my recipe.”

Danuta’s activities at The Danish Home extend far beyond the kitchen. “Two and a half years before I moved here, I talked to (The Danish Home president and CEO) Scott Swanson, who told me that I shouldn’t come too late so that I can enjoy life here and all there is to do.” She has eagerly taken his advice.

In June, Danuta joined residents and staff for a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago’s “Georg Jensen: Scandinavian Design for Living” exhibit. “It was really nice to see all the beautiful silver, plates and vases that I saw in so many Scandinavian homes,” she remarked.

In July, residents went to the Morton Arboretum in Lisle’s troll hunt exhibit, featuring seven giant trolls created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo out of reclaimed wood. A retired mechanical designer who designed the main pipeline for Chicago’s Byron and Braidwood nuclear power stations, Danuta especially appreciates Dambo’s innovative work. “They are absolutely different sculptures; not only are they huge, but it’s so interesting how they’re made. They have such funny faces and positions too.”

Danuta’s greatest enthusiasm, however, is reserved for The Danish Home itself. “It’s such a wonderful house; we are such a family. Everyone is so nice and friendly – I feel so safe and happy here,” she said. “I have no complaints about anything…except maybe that there is too much food and it’s too good!”