When Suzanne Sizer moved into Marjorie P. Lee (MPL), she found herself exactly where she needed to be—a vibrant, welcoming community that fit her lifestyle perfectly. After living independently for years, Suzanne and her three adult children, Jen Frutkin, Scott Sizer, and Jeff Sizer, thoughtfully chose a place that could offer engagement, support, safety, and a true sense of home. MPL offered not just a welcoming community, but care that grows with Suzanne—support that adapts as her needs change.

"It's the people who work here," Suzanne said warmly. "They're so caring. And the chef is fabulous—they'll make you anything you want."

Embracing a New Home

Beyond exceptional dining, Suzanne immediately felt at home in her community’s warm, lively atmosphere. With a book club, movie club, entertainment options, and a private apartment, she felt her new home seamlessly blended the comforts she loves with opportunities to connect.

Suzanne easily settled into her routine filled with both new and familiar activities. She enjoys taking part in the community’s MindFit program, which offers residents like her a fun and engaging way to keep minds and bodies active. Designed to meet participants where they are, the program supports positive cognitive health—promoting engagement, confidence, and social connection for individuals with all levels of cognitive ability and changing memory needs.

Her daughter, Jen, is grateful that her mom has easy access to enriching opportunities like these. “The MindFit program is impressive. It has elements like the New York Times crossword puzzle—but live, and a lot more fun,” she says.

Her adult children have embraced their mother’s new home and schedule just as much as she has. They’ve found that Suzanne now often prefers to stay in and enjoy all that Marjorie P. Lee has to offer rather than going outside her preferred routine. Her days now have a comforting rhythm—providing consistency and a strong sense of community, with everything she needs right at home.

For Suzanne and her family, settling into life at Marjorie P. Lee became an act of love. Her children take comfort in knowing she is surrounded by warmth and belonging, while continuing to meet her where she’s at. They often join Suzanne for dinner and activities at MPL, becoming a natural part of the routine and community she enjoys calling home. Their presence reflects a family deeply committed to walking beside Suzanne as her needs evolve, maintaining moments of joy and connection along the way.

Her son, Scott, agreed it was a natural fit, adding, "I've toured a lot of other places, and you just don't find that. Marjorie P. Lee just felt perfect; it’s where she wants to be."

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The Comfort of Not Having to Move to Another Community

One of the key benefits of living in a continuing care retirement community like MPL is having access to a full continuum of care with higher levels of support as needs change over time—all under one roof. This includes memory care, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and more. For families like Suzanne’s, this offers tremendous peace of mind.

Marjorie P. Lee’s highly trained memory care team delivers person-centered support, helping residents maintain a sense of freedom, purpose, and dignity each day. The apartments are spacious, secure, and designed to feel like home. Residents also benefit from research-based memory support programs, such as SAIDO Learning®, which utilizes simple reading and mathematics to enhance brain health. Wellness classes help engage the mind, body, and spirit, aiming to improve quality of life. Programs are designed so that residents like Suzanne receive care that grows with them, honoring their preferences, abilities, and rhythms throughout every stage of life.

For adult children like Suzanne’s, it’s comforting to know their mom is in the right place to receive compassionate, person-centered care and support. It means they can spend more meaningful time together, with the reassurance that Mom is in good hands—now and in the future.

Living Each Day on Her Own Terms

A typical day for Suzanne starts early. She likes to have her breakfast with the camaraderie of other early risers. Living in a community designed to support her needs over time, Suzanne can continue to enjoy her favorite activities such as gardening, religious services, and reading—all in the same place.

Jen added, "Finding a community that kept mom close to the activities she loves gave us real peace of mind." At Marjorie P. Lee, the balance of independence and compassionate care carries through every level of support. Even as Suzanne’s support and care needs change over time, she’ll continue to live each day on her own terms.

"It just feels like a natural extension of my life," Suzanne said. "I was hesitant at first, but now I see the security, the warmth, and the community around me—and life here has been good."

Related Blog: Marjorie P. Lee Retirement Community meets the Needs of Residents’ Families, Too!

Peace of Mind for the Whole Family

Suzanne's children echo her sentiment. "It's such a relief," Scott explained. "Before she moved here, we were constantly checking in—have you called mom, have you been over? Now we know she's safe, active, and surrounded by friends."

Jen added, "Marjorie P. Lee isn't overwhelming in size, which means the staff really knows everyone. They even recognized our son when he came to visit."

The smaller, close-knit nature of the community allows for personalized care. Staff members engage residents, whether it's through a friendly conversation or helping people feel at home. "From the start, they knew our names and treated us like family," Jeff shared. "You can feel that they love what they do." That sense of belonging allows Suzanne’s children to focus on cherishing time together, confident that every stage ahead will be supported with dignity and compassion.

Building Connections, Creating Memories

Suzanne has noticed how much easier life feels. "I do things when I want to, but I also know if I need anything, someone is always there to help," she said. "That safety gives me comfort."

Mealtimes have become a highlight. Dinner at Marjorie P. Lee is a true social event, with residents often seated with new friends to spark conversations. "Don't call mom at six o'clock," Scott joked. "She's busy at dinner, and that's her time to enjoy with friends."

Sometimes the connections formed are downright surprising. During a recent meal, Suzanne realized she shared a connection with another resident—the reverend who baptized her children decades ago. "It blew my mind," Scott laughed. "You can't plan for moments like that."

Thriving in a Place She Loves

Through it all, Suzanne’s family has noticed a positive change. She's still her energetic self, but with a new layer of confidence and connection.

"She's more relaxed, more secure," Jen said. "Even though any transition takes time, there's an underlying peace knowing she has a full, abundant life here.”

For Suzanne, moving to Marjorie P. Lee wasn't about giving up. It was about gaining so much more. "It's a community. It's my home," she said. As Suzanne and her family look ahead, they do so with deep gratitude knowing she’s surrounded by care that grows with her.

If you or a loved one is exploring memory care options, we invite you to experience the warmth and exceptional care at Marjorie P. Lee. Schedule a complimentary tour today by contacting our Director of Community Relations, Jenn Schlotbom, at 513.533.5000 or jschlotbom@erslife.org.

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