Imagine a place where retirement isn’t just a destination, but a vibrant new chapter. Nestled in Westwood, Massachusetts, Fox Hill Village transcends the typical retirement community and is a tribute to the spirit of its residents— a haven where families can find comfort, stimulation, and community. One such family is the Fishers, whose connection with Fox Hill spans decades.
Dr. Alexander Fisher and his wife, Yetta, first moved to Westwood as newlyweds in 1936. A family doctor who made house calls, he served as the town’s physician. Having spent their entire married life in the town which they loved, when it came time to retire, they couldn’t bear the thought of living anywhere else.
Their daughter Judy says, “My father was partly responsible for getting Fox Hill created here.” He was particularly pleased that Mass. General Hospital was going to be involved with health care at the project. He wrote a persuasive letter to the town’s board of selectmen and advocated for the project at a crucial town meeting. His dedication, coupled with the support of his patients who voted in favor, helped turn the vision of Fox Hill into reality. Once it was built, Mrs. Fisher also left her mark, doing historical research and assisting with the naming the wings of the building after prominent families from Westwood and Dedham.
The Fishers were among the very first to sign up to live at Fox Hill and had their choice of apartments. Choosing their Ellis apartment was a joy, particularly for its view of the deep green woods. The Fishers enjoyed the varied dining possibilities and the intellectually engaging activities, as well as appreciating the proximity to Mass General and to their daughter, who lived nearby. And, as Dr. Fisher said, if anything happened to him so that he needed a higher level of care, he wanted Mrs. Fisher to be able to visit him easily.
When the time came that Judy wanted to find a retirement community for herself, she embarked on a search of her own, visiting several other establishments in the area. She chose Fox Hill, not only because of her parents’ great experience here, but also because of its unique welcoming atmosphere and the intellectual stimulation offered by its varied and highly educated population.
Since moving to Fox Hill in 2018, Judy has found her niche volunteering in the library. Her passion for literature comes alive as she recommends books, helps keep things organized, and engages with fellow bibliophiles. For her, Fox Hill is more than a retirement community.