Newcastle Place residents find growth at every stage of life

Katie Jackson was looking for a way to nourish her mind, body and soul after losing her husband Bill and other family members. Suddenly, her bustling house where she entertained dozens of times fell quiet. It no longer felt like home. She wondered if there was a more satisfying way to live than in a house by herself.

Joan Kerns supported her husband as he took over his family’s floor covering business while they raised a family and traveled the world. They did all of that while enjoying hours on the golf course and an active social life before Henry “Pat” Kerns took ill. As their lifestyles slowed but their passion for staying involved with friends and family remained, they considered what “home” looked like as they entered their 90s.

For many older adults, moving to a community isn’t about slowing down. It’s about making room for new friendships, new interests and fresh purpose during the next chapter of life.

Finding the next chapter

“One day I realized that each season of life has its own perspective,” Jackson, a former educator, said. “I had passed from one to the next and at first, I didn’t acknowledge that.”

Jackson’s “moment of clarity” shifted her focus to the future. She began downsizing and looking for her new home.

“Now, I must admit that I had my own language to describe senior living,” Jackson said. “Would everyone be old, sick and dull? Would people just talk about their ailments?

“And what if I got sick? Could I still do all the activities I loved or would I be cooped up?”

The answers to those questions led Jackson to a monthslong search for her ideal landing spot. Three and a half years ago, she found it at Newcastle Place in Mequon, where a vibrant social calendar and welcoming community helped ease her transition.

“I chose Newcastle because of its location: only a few blocks from my church, close to familiar shopping areas and vast medical resources,” Jackson said. “I loved the serene setting and the beautiful landscape. Every person I met during my several visits, from staff to residents, was welcoming, and I began to feel that this was the right place for me.”

When “just in case” became today

Joan and Pat didn’t seriously consider a continuing care retirement community until much later.

“We’d passed Newcastle dozens of times until one day we decided to stop in and look around,” Kerns said. “We loved the look and feel of the community and had known a few people who’d lived here through the years. We knew that coming here didn’t mean we had to give up what we already enjoyed but could add to it. And there was a health support system there for the just-in-case.”

And before getting their keys, the “just in case” happened. As the Kerns were waiting for their apartment, Pat’s health took a turn and Joan could no longer care for him herself.

“Newcastle saved my life,” she said.

Her husband of 68 and a half years died in December 2025, a day before she moved into her apartment.

“I feel like I’m living in a lovely apartment with a beautiful view but with all the amenities of senior living such as no more expenses a home requires,” Joan Kerns said. “There are people around me whenever I want them, meals are served nightly and I’ve made many new friends. Living at Newcastle has exceeded my expectations.”

Finding a community that inspires growth

Like many residents before them, Jackson and Kerns discovered that moving to Newcastle wasn’t simply about downsizing. It opened doors to new experiences, friendships and a renewed sense of purpose. Each enjoys speakers and educational programs, exercise classes and movies that help them learn new things while connecting with neighbors who share similar interests.

Although a relative newcomer, Kerns now serves on the welcoming committee, helping new residents feel as at home as her neighbors made her feel when she arrived. Jackson also enjoys sharing her experience with people considering a lifestyle change, encouraging them to find a community that fits who they are today.

“In this season of my life, I have found a home that reflects my values, offers opportunities to fulfill my needs and goals and provides me with a warm and caring environment along with lovely new friendships,” Jackson said. “Newcastle is my home; my happy place for this season of my life.”

Kerns said she’s grateful to have found a community like Newcastle that has given her more than a place to live. It’s given her opportunities to stay engaged, build friendships and continue growing during this stage of her life.

“The best benefits are no responsibility of a home, financially or otherwise, safety, meeting other people and socializing with them – and no more cooking!”

Discover how community living can spark personal growth, new friendships and renewed purpose through the experiences of two Newcastle Place residents.