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Hawthorne Estates:
Stylish Independent Living the way retirement should be
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ending to the needs of the residents of Hawthorne Estates has been Jeanette Murillo’s job for the past 14 years. Murillo is the assistant property manager of the independent living facility in southwest Ocala and sees her job as being part caretaker and part life enricher. “As part of the lifestyle that we provide, they’re pretty much independent and we’re pretty much supportive,” she said. “We’re here as a support team. They’re independent; we’re here to help them.” Hawthorne Estates, located at 3211 SW 42nd St., Ocala, provides independent living in an affordable, resort-style setting. Its 93 spacious units provide residents with their own residence with an array of services from meals and utilities to recreation and social activities. “The owners specialize in providing quality living options for seniors,” said Susie Carey, Hawthorne Estates’ onsite property manager. Retired mechanical engineer Jack Lippo moved into Hawthorne Estates in September and said it has turned out to be much better than he expected. “It’s a nice place,” said the 86-year-old Lippo, who has written two books on the Bible’s Book of Revelations since retiring and teaches a Bible study group at Hawthorne. “I like the room I have. I looked at a couple
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| JAN 2022 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
Resident Jack Lippo of other places, but I chose this one because it was newer and closer to (State Road) 200 where my friends and church are.” Lippo also said Hawthorne is “reasonably priced” compared to other independent living facilities in Ocala and, importantly, “I can come and go as I want.” He has a studio apartment, which he describes as “a nice, comfortable place.” “I like it,” Lippo said. “You get two good meals a day and they treat you really good. They’re very kind and they try to help you out if you have a problem. “It’s turned out better than I expected.” The Army vet also likes the fact that at Hawthorne Estates, the only bill residents have to pay is for their cell phone.
Resident Jim Stacey All utilities — again, except for your personal phone — are part of the monthly rental package. That means electric, water and sewer, cable TV, wireless internet and trash removal. Hawthorne residents also can schedule transportation on the facility’s van through the front desk, or they are welcome to have their own vehicle, with free parking on the property. For those who want to see a doctor without having to leave the facility, Carey said Hawthorne Estates has an outside concierge physician service that will come and treat residents in their homes. “You don’t even have to leave your apartment and go sit in a doctor’s office,” she said. One the things resident Jim Stacy likes
