Video displaying scenes from Judson Park, a Life Plan Community in Des Moines, Washington

Tom

Getting Out on the Sound

Tom gazes out the window of his Judson Park apartment at the 180-degree view of Puget Sound. Off in the distance, he can see the Point Robinson Lighthouse on the tip of Maury Island.

That view is one of the reasons Tom and his wife, Marilyn, selected Judson Park as their home. It’s the perfect setting for a man who always has felt more at home by the sea.

“I like being on the water as often as I can,” Tom says. “That’s where I have a sense of independence, peace and quiet.”

Most days, you can find Tom at the nearby marina tinkering with Jessie Mae, his 28-foot Four Winns cabin cruiser he named after his mother. He loves taking her out for a day of fishing.

“My joy comes from the act of fishing — not so much the outcome,” he says.

He also enjoys watching boats come and go and tracking them on the maritime app that allows him to identify everything from the type of vessel to its port of origin.

But it’s some of the low-tech pleasures that give Tom and Marilyn the most enjoyment, whether that’s strolling along the nearby boardwalk or looking out their window at the end of the day. “Every evening is a glorious sunset,” he says.

Doris

Life Blossoms in Unexpected Ways

When newly widowed Doris moved to Judson Park, she thought she might have to sacrifice some of the things she cherished most, including her acclaimed annual garden party and community of friends.

The longtime beekeeper arrived at her new home carrying a gallon jar of honey and her great-grandmother’s dahlia bulbs. 

But rather than giving up the things she loved, her life blossomed in new and unexpected ways. At Judson Park, she discovered a fertile place for new friendships and her green thumb. 

With help from Judson Park’s Life Enrichment team, Doris was able to host her garden party on campus and start a new Judson Park tradition. Surrounded by floral bouquets, feasting on petits fours and enjoying the melodies of harpists, friends both old and new came dressed in their Sunday best and competed for the Best Garden Party Hat award. 

Throughout the year, Doris regularly attends meetings of the garden club. The club tends the flower beds outside and ensures that the common areas in the community are decorated with beautiful floral arrangements, She says the climate at Judson Park is ideal for her beloved dahlias. “My bulbs are happy here,” Doris says. 

And so is Doris, having found the ideal place to enjoy her favorite hobbies and to foster new relationships. 

Janet

Living in Perpetual Motion

If you want to keep up with Janet, you better be wearing your running shoes.

Equipped with her headphones and Fitbit, she walks at least 10,000 steps each day, often finishing her final strides on her large deck overlooking the Puget Sound. And twice a week, you can find her at Judson Park’s Strengthen and Lengthen class. 

“Exercise is the key to longevity,” Janet, who moved into Judson Park in 2019 with her husband, says. “It’s all about physical and mental health, and it keeps me stretched out.’”

Janet brings that same energy and passion to volunteering at Judson Park, whether it be meeting with prospective new residents as an ambassador, helping to coordinate the pancake breakfast or leading the initiative to create the community’s first Dixieland Jazz Festival. Her husband says she rarely stops moving.

With Judson Park’s attentive staff taking care of meals, home maintenance and housekeeping, Janet has plenty of time to enjoy her favorite activities. “Every day, I can wake up and do exactly what I want,” she says.

Paul

Keeping Up the Good Work

Serving other people has been Paul’s life’s work. As a Baptist minister at churches around the Seattle area, Paul spent his life ministering to the spiritual and emotional needs of his congregants.

Even though he’s technically retired now, you would never know it. He continues to provide guidance to Judson Park residents — no matter where they are on their spiritual journey.

“A pastor is one who speaks to your spirit, listens to your heart and understands what words can never say,” Paul, who volunteered at Judson Park for many years before becoming a resident, says. “Fundamentally, people want to feel connected and like they belong.”

While his faith continues to be a source of fulfillment for him, Paul also finds joy on the water. He recently traded in his boat for a bigger one, which is docked at the Des Moines Marina down the road from Judson Park.

“I’m pretty excited about taking the guys out boating!” Paul says.