St. Leonard’s Home, a senior living facility in Hollidaysburg, will be closing its doors after 75 years of providing housing and personal care assistance to seniors in Blair County.

The board of St. Leonard’s Home Inc., its corporate member, CSFN Mission & Ministry Inc. and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth decided to cease operations “due to difficult economic times and staffing challenges that are impacting the health care industry,” President Sister Cynthia Meyer announced in a press release.

“It is a decision that has not been made lightly, and we will do everything we can to ease the transition for all involved,” Meyer said.

Located at 601 N. Montgomery St., the brick mansion was originally called Sunset Hill, Historic Hollidaysburg said on its Facebook page. It was constructed by Peter Shoenberger Duncan, who was a wealthy industrialist and owner of iron and clay mines in Ore Hill. From 1901 to 1937, Duncan resided in the home with his wife and children.

Following World War II, Leonard Miller bought the home and then sold it to the Catholic Church for $1 so it could be used as a care facility for the elderly. On January 5, 1947, the first resident of St. Leonard’s Home was welcomed, Historic Hollidaysburg said.

As of Thursday, Meyer said the home has 17 residents left, adding that the staff will continue to provide them with care around the clock until they all have found a new place to stay.

“They’re all being placed; there’s been no trouble placing them,” Meyer said. “Right now, our focus is on the residents and getting them settled.”

St. Leonard’s staff provided residents with a furnished room and personal assistance with activities such as medication administration, housekeeping, laundry, maintaining personal hygiene, making and keeping doctor appointments and scheduling personal transportation, according to its website.

The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth have not yet made any plans on how to use the building once St. Leonard’s Home closes, Meyer said.

“We’re just so grateful for the community support we’ve gotten over the years,” Meyer said. “We are grateful to all who have served, for the families who have entrusted their loved ones to our care, to our donors, volunteers and all who have helped us offer a unique living experience to those in need.”

Mirror Staff Writer Rachel Foor is at 814-946-7458.