Imagine finding a vibrant community where friendship and joy flourish in your everyday life. Carol McFarland, Beverly Byrne, and Janet Sherman's unique individual paths led them to discover just that at The Waterford. These three dynamic women have enjoyed a transformative retirement experience, thriving in a new chapter filled with laughter, adventure, and meaningful connections.
Finding Your Home
Home is a feeling you recognize—even when you arrive somewhere new. Originally from Pennsylvania, Carol chose to relocate closer to family. “I lived in Pennsylvania all my life and never thought I would move anywhere else,” says Carol. “I decided on The Waterford because it’s five minutes from where my son lives in Jupiter.”
While proximity to family might’ve been a primary driver of Carol’s move, it didn’t take long for serendipity to strike.
“Carol and I moved down exactly the same day, [we] did not know each other,” Beverly describes. “I came from Miami. And somehow or other, I think the initial attraction was the fact that we came the same day and then we’ve just been friends ever since.”
Despite their different backgrounds, the two formed a fast friendship. Little did they know, their circle was awaiting one more when Janet decided to make a move from her East Coast roots.
“I came from New Jersey,” Janet says. “I was born in New Jersey, but my husband and I were snowbirds.”
While Janet and her husband enjoyed spending time each year at their condo in Boynton Beach, his passing motivated her to try something new.
“When he passed away, I got tired of going back and forth all by myself. So I decided I would come here,” Janet says.
To her delight, she hasn’t looked back since.
“I haven’t regretted it for one day. I’m sorry I didn’t come here earlier when I was even younger, because there’s so many activities and things to do. I thought it was just for old folks… you should come a little earlier if you’re thinking of coming.”
Becoming the “Three Musketeers”
Although all three women came from distinctly different backgrounds and locations, their friendship fell into place effortlessly. In fact, it was so seamless the group now known as the “Three Musketeers” can’t quite pinpoint the origins.
“How we met? We don’t remember!” The friends laughed.
As some of the newest residents, Carol and Beverly stuck together, trying new activities and encouraging each other along the way. When a spot opened up at Janet’s regular table for meals, Beverly filled in and a fast friendship formed. Carol and Beverly had found their third musketeer.
Tight-Knit Community Keeps Isolation at Bay
While new friendships were flourishing, no one could anticipate how life would soon take a dramatic shift. Early in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic turned life upside down for people around the world. In those uncertain moments, they understood how important their friendship would be.
“When COVID hit, that’s why we said, we just kept it together,” recalls Beverly.
Making the best of a difficult situation, they turned to the many events and activities offered at The Waterford to stay active and engaged. More specifically: the swimming pool.
“Swimming was a big thing because not that many people were going in the pool. And we were going nearly every day…” Carol remembers.
So much so, that they became a community institution fondly known as “The Water Lillies.”
“We all had a different hat on and an outfit. We probably looked ridiculous,” says Carol.
“But we had fun. We didn’t care,” interjects Beverly.
Utilizing the swimming pool as a central hub, the connections these three built at The Waterford helped carry them through the challenges of a global pandemic. As Beverly reminisces,
“We were sitting six feet apart and we also went to the pool a couple days a week, you know, [the] type of thing so we could keep communicating with each other and not, you know, be stuck in your apartment all day long waiting for food to come. Anyway, that’s what we did and we got through COVID beautifully with it.”
As Carol recalls, “We just had fun. The three of us being together.”
Good Feelings for the Whole Family
With a global pandemic under their belts, the Three Musketeers were closer than ever. But they weren’t the only ones who saw the tremendous benefits a community lifestyle at The Waterford had to offer. Carol had initially moved to be closer to her son, and Beverly remembers being encouraged by her daughter:
“My daughter almost insisted, you know, that I quit work and I start living and enjoying life instead of just, you know, doing all these mundane things.”
More than a half-decade after their fateful move-in day, Carol, Beverly, and Janet feel great about their decision, as does the family that inspired them.
“They’re envious of us because we get to do so many fun things,” laughs Beverly.
“This is a gift to the children as far as I’m concerned,” states Carol. “They don’t have to worry about us.”
Beverly echoes those same sentiments, “They’re happy that we’re happy in a nice little comfy place. And we have friends, and everything’s good.”
Find Your People at The Waterford
The Waterford provides a vibrant independent living experience in Juno Beach, FL, offering every resident the opportunity to pursue their passions, enjoy luxurious amenities, and build meaningful connections.
We invite you to visit our community and experience the same sense of togetherness shared by Carol, Beverly, and Janet. Please don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule a tour to see everything The Waterford has to offer for yourself.
