Stewart and Lee Hill New Preswick Glen Residents

by Cindy Dardano, Senior Living Specialist, Preswick Glen

Moving to a retirement community can be easy as Stewart and Lee Hill of Sherrill, NY, explained. "We were both lucky and unlucky," said Lee. We were lucky that the kids wanted all our extra furniture… "but," interjected Stuart, "unlucky for us that we hadn't made this move much sooner."

Deciding to leave your house can sometimes be a difficult process or, as with the Hills, it can be an easy transition.  "We waited almost 20 years for a retirement community to open near our home but it wasn't happening. So we began our search," Stewart explained. "We looked in Syracuse but then friends moved to Preswick Glen, and after touring the community, we thought this was the best by far that we had seen."

Stewart and Lee moved to Preswick Glen in May and chose a "Lindsay," a light and spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a lovely view of wildflowers and trees. The apartment boasts large closets with additional storage on each wing. One of the best features is the large screened-in porch that is accessible from the living room and the bedroom. "We love the screened-in balcony. It's the perfect place to relax on a summer night."

Lee thought that the most difficult part of moving was "leaving Sherrill and all our friends but we are making new friends and we now have a new place to call home. Our children were relieved that we made the move to Preswick Glen especially since they all live out of the area. It was a good feeling for them to know we were not alone and didn't have to maintain the big house anymore. At our age anything can happen," added Stewart.

What is the best thing about Retirement Living? Lee easily chimed in with, "not having to cook every night!" They are enjoying the option to have dinner in The Glen Ivy Restaurant or a light lunch in the Bistro Café whenever they choose.

Lee attended Pembroke College which was part of Brown University and graduated in 1943 with a degree in sociology. Stewart attended MIT also graduating in 1943 with an SB Degree (yes, SB not BS!). They dated through college and were married on February 20, 1943. The Hill family soon grew to four children which kept Lee quite busy at home. They also have seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren! Stewart was invited to join Oneida Limited as head engineer at 27 years old and remained with the company for the next 31 years.

Stewart's first love (after Lee and the children) is sailing. He built his first sailboat at 16 years old and has been sailing ever since. Much to his regret he had to give up his passion about two years ago. Stewart may not physically be on the water but the many pictures and plaques depict a lifetime of competitive racing, carefree parties and sunny windblown afternoons on Oneida Lake. A true mariner!

Other than sailing, the Hills played golf and traveled across Europe. Lee is active in several art and literary clubs while Stewart remains the all-time Do-It-Yourselfer! Life here at Preswick Glen hasn't diminished their activities. Settling in may take some time but the apartment feels like home and there are new opportunities and friends just outside their front door! We welcome Stewart & Lee Hill to the Preswick Glen family!