Home, Community, and Peace of Mind at The Colonnade
When Bill and Liz talk about their life today, one word comes up again and again: contentment. It’s the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be, surrounded by people you enjoy, supported by a community you trust, and free to focus on what matters most. At The Colonnade, Bill and Liz have found not just a place to live, but a place to belong.
Two Very Different Beginnings
Liz grew up in Detroit and spent most of her life in Michigan before moving to Arizona about a decade ago. A proud University of Michigan alumna (and happy to smile about it), she began her career teaching anthropology at the high school level before earning her doctorate. From there, she taught instructional design at the university level, specializing in how technology can enhance learning.
“I loved teaching,” Liz says. “It was a marvelous experience because you leave people with something. Making a contribution to someone’s life means the world to me.”
Her impact didn’t stop in the classroom. Liz was invited to edit professional journals and speak at conferences, clear signs that her ideas and perspective were valued in her field.
Bill’s path started in a very different place. He grew up in a small town in central Pennsylvania and attended a two-room schoolhouse with just two teachers for his first six grades. In seventh grade, his world expanded overnight when his family moved to Pittsburgh, and he went from a class of seven students to 287.
“That was culture shock,” he laughs.
Bill went on to attend The Ohio State University and built a long, successful career in finance and accounting, eventually retiring as a CFO in 2015. Over the years, his work took him across the country, from Pennsylvania and North Carolina to Utah, Ohio, and finally Arizona. What he’s most proud of isn’t just the titles, but the outcomes.
“I was good at helping organizations improve efficiencies without reducing people,” Bill explains. “Using data, technology, and smarter processes to grow. It saved companies a lot of money and helped them work smarter, not harder.”
Rivals on Paper, Partners in Life
Liz and Bill joke that, as a Michigan and Ohio State household, they’re living proof that rivalries can be overcome. Both were widowed, and neither was looking for a new relationship. In fact, Bill met his late wife in seventh grade and had been perfectly content with life as it was.
But life had other plans.
After both lost their spouses in 2017, Liz and Bill attended a bereavement group in their Sun City Festival community. They had lived just three blocks apart and never met until then. What started as a friendship grew into love, and today they’ve been together for six years.
Moving On: A Thoughtful, Intentional Decision
After years of living in their own homes with their previous spouses, Liz and Bill knew they wanted to be under one roof. They also knew, based on caring for their own parents, that they didn’t want their children to one day be forced into rushed decisions.
“We wanted to make our own choices,” Liz says. “And we didn’t want our kids to have to worry.”
They explored several continuing care retirement communities and ultimately chose The Colonnade for its size, location, and welcoming feel. Moving in during May 2025, they immediately knew they’d made the right decision.
They now live in a beautifully updated casita. Before they moved in, the team worked closely with them to customize the space with new floors, appliances, countertops, paint, and finishes.
“They really listened to what we wanted,” Liz says. “The designer was attentive and wonderful. We got to make it ours.”
Active, Social, and Stress-Free
Since moving in, Bill and Liz say their stress levels have dropped significantly. No home maintenance. No worries about long-term planning. Just peace of mind.
“There’s comfort in knowing this is home,” Bill says. “Everything is taken care of, financially, medically, and practically.”
They’ve embraced community life at their own pace. They enjoy walks together, Bill plays golf, and they’ve started going to the on-site gyms a couple of times a week. Liz joined a book club and loves hearing new perspectives. She’s also considering getting involved with the landscape council.
Creativity and giving back matter deeply to Liz. She’s bonded with neighbors over beading projects and helped organize a breast cancer awareness fundraiser, decorating bras that raised thousands of dollars for research. Another effort supported a Surprise Police program for abused children.
“I want to feel like I’m contributing to my community,” she says. “That’s important to me.”
A Community That Feels Like Family
One of the things Bill and Liz appreciate most is how easy it is to make connections. Coming from a much larger community of 10,000–12,000 people, The Colonnade feels personal.
“People know your name here,” Bill says. “That makes a difference.”
They also praise the ambassador program, which pairs new residents with experienced neighbors who help them settle in, answer questions, and share insider tips. From the sales and design teams to fellow residents, Bill and Liz felt supported every step of the way.
A Simple Message
“I have zero regrets,” Liz says. “Think about how you want the rest of your life to be lived.”
They encourage people not to wait, to ask questions, and most importantly, to talk to residents.
“This isn’t an old folks’ home,” Bill adds. “That idea is gone. Our jaws dropped when we toured. The vitality and longevity are incredible here.”
With 24/7 EMT support, access to nearby medical services, and the ability to age in place, they see their move as a gift to themselves and their families.
For Bill and Liz, The Colonnade isn’t just where they live. It’s their home, their community, and the foundation for a life that feels full, connected, and peaceful.
Find your home and community at SunHealthCommunities.org.
