Becky Luce: Finding Heart and Home at Harvest Hill

When you walk the serene gardens of Harvest Hill, you might spot a resident with a warm smile, carefully tending to her flowers. That’s Becky Luce, a beloved community member who has found her heart’s home in the Hughes Studio Apartments. Becky’s journey is one of resilience, love, and joy in the simple pleasures of life—like a garden in bloom or a conversation with a friend.

Becky chose the Hughes Studio Apartments at Harvest Hill, a decision made with both practicality and passion. “I never know when I can or can’t eat or drink due to my medication, so having a kitchen in my studio is incredibly convenient,” she shares. Becky also appreciates having the choice to enjoy three meals a day in the dining room, offering the flexibility to dine with others.

What truly makes Becky’s life at Harvest Hill special is the strong sense of community and the great friends she’s made. She fondly recalls lunches with Pam, Gayle, and the newest resident Louise—gatherings filled with laughter and shared memories. Each week, they are committed to making it a point to be together, whether it’s lunch in the Dining Room or reserving a community room for a chat or a shared activity. “No matter what we are doing, we do it together and always have the best time,” Becky reflects.

But what she loves most is her patio door, which opens directly into the garden. “Every step counts” Becky says, and she takes every opportunity to be outside, nurturing her plants or going on walks.

Gardening has always been close to Becky’s heart. At her home in downtown Lebanon, she grew an impressive array of tomatoes. Because tomatoes have been a bit stubborn of late, Becky turned her attention to cultivating a variety of flowers, each one a testament to her persistence and care. Her connection to the outdoors is mirrored by her bond with her dear friend Ann, who also lives at Harvest Hill. Ann was Becky’s horseback riding instructor when she was just ten years old. After years of losing touch, fate united them in this community. Now, they enjoy walks together, often pausing to chat in the garden—a simple but cherished ritual.

Becky’s choice to make Harvest Hill her home was guided by more than amenities. She remembers the warmth and support she felt from the Assistant Resident Care Manager, Catherine, during her initial visits. “Catherine really helped drive my decision to live here,” Becky explains. Unlike other communities she visited, Harvest Hill immediately felt right—a place where the staff is genuinely happy to help with anything, big or small.

Becky’s life at Harvest Hill is enriched by her deep appreciation for music. A former music teacher, she especially enjoys it when performers visit the community, and music remains a vital part of her life, just as it always has.

And then there’s Obi, Becky’s ten-year-old dog whose name means “heart” in Swahili. Though Obi now lives with a close friend, he still visits Becky weekly, bringing a little extra joy to her days. Obi’s name is fitting, as Becky’s heart is at the center of everything she does—whether it’s friendships, gardening, or her deep connection to the community.

At Harvest Hill, Becky found more than just a place to live; she found a place that supports and uplifts her, allowing her to continue doing what she loves, surrounded by people who care. As Becky would say, it was a “gut feeling” that led her here, and it’s her heart that keeps her thriving.