Estelle Lawson has lived at Rogerson’s Farnsworth House for 13 years. She worked at Tufts Medical Centre for 13 years before retiring. She had many dreams for her retirement and believed she had saved enough to make them com true. But all her dreams were dashed when she discovered she had to have three surgeries on both of her knees. The surgeries wiped out her savings. Estelle did not like to depend on people, and she found herself isolating as she did not want to be a burden to her kids nor her friends. During this period, she lost her home and had to move into a single room.
For 12 years Estelle struggled with rebuilding her life. It was difficult because getting work was difficult as she had also lost her car. Estelle applied at many affordable senior housing properties, but when she applied to Rogerson, she got the miracle she had prayed for. Estell has lived at Rogerson for 13 years, and she is one of the happiest souls in the building. She still tries to work and volunteer, but she appreciates the blessing of living at Rogerson ‘s Farnsworth House. For Estelle, she says the best part of Rogerson is when the people come together. She loves it when she sees people happy playing games, sharing meals, enjoying live music and other activities that build community. She says that Rogerson is a family for many seniors who do not have family nearby. Estelle has nothing but love for this new family.