When retired Baylor University Professor of Voice, Deborah Williamson, moved to The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) in December 2024, she wasn’t just looking for a new address. After years of maintaining a large home, she was ready for a lifestyle that would free her from home maintenance while providing lots of opportunities to stay active and enjoy retirement.
After teaching at Baylor for 26 years, along with previous faculty positions in Texas and Ohio, Deborah began planning her next chapter before her retirement officially arrived. Taking advantage of a retirement transition program at Baylor allowed her to make the move to OAW before retiring. A friend introduced her to the Plano senior living community, and she knew it was the right fit. The opportunity to move into a brand-new apartment, personalize many of the finishes and become one of community’s first residents made the timing especially appealing.
“Being established in my apartment and in the community made the transition into retirement easy,” Deborah shared.
She quickly built relationships with neighbors who were also settling into the new community. Those friendships helped make the transition from a busy academic career to retirement feel natural.
Today at OAW, Deborah enjoys personal training sessions, book club meetings, lectures in The Hall, games with neighbors and outings to restaurants and performances throughout the area. She says she feels healthier and happier than she has in years and appreciates being surrounded by active and interesting people.
Deborah has also welcomed visits from former colleagues and students, who have all been impressed by the beauty of the community and the variety of activities available to residents.
Having served as the primary caregiver for her mother’s journey through Assisted Living and Memory Support, Deborah personally understands the importance of planning ahead. That experience influenced her decision to move to OAW sooner rather than later.
For her, the move wasn’t about preparing for what might happen years down the road. It was about creating a lifestyle she could enjoy today while putting a plan in place for the future.
“I take great comfort in knowing I’ve already put the pieces in place for my future,” she said.
By Amee McGough
