Beacon Hill couple named Lombard’s Senior Man and Woman of the Year
On Dec. 3, Beacon Hill senior living community in Lombard recently celebrated residents Jim and Carol Wixson who were named the 2025 Senior Man and Woman of the Year by the Village of Lombard. The annual award honors residents 65 or older who have made outstanding contributions through service and volunteerism.
A lifetime of giving
For more than 50 years, the Wixsons have supported First United Methodist Church of Lombard and The Outreach House. The nonprofit provides area residents with assistance including food, clothing and more.
The Wixson’s involvement has included organizing food distribution, assisting with the Clothes Closet, welcoming families with warmth, and offering assistance during times of need. Carol is also known for creating handcrafted care pillows that bring comfort to many local residents.
During the recognition event at Beacon Hill, Executive Director Elijah Heyboer praised the couple’s remarkable legacy of service in Lombard, commenting, “the light they shine is very bright.” State Sen. Laura Ellman and state Rep. Margaret DeLaRosa attended and presented special certificates of honor.
Ellman commended the Wixsons for the many lives they have touched, noting their generosity continues to inspire others. DeLaRosa added that their longstanding commitment to volunteerism strengthens the community and improves the quality of life for residents throughout the region.
Catherine Lynott, executive director of The Outreach House and the person who nominated the couple for the award, attended the event. She described the Wixsons as remarkably kind volunteers who embody the organization’s commitment to offering help with dignity and compassion.
Continuing to inspire
Jim and Carol moved to Beacon Hill on May 1, and their energy and compassion quickly became part of daily life. When residents learned of the couple’s longtime involvement with The Outreach House, they immediately began collecting donated items to support the organization. Several residents also expressed interest in volunteering with The Outreach House themselves, showing that the Wixsons’ influence is already spreading through the community.
Heyboer was pleased but not surprised at the senior living community’s residents jumping on board to help so quickly. “Our residents are good people, committed to spending time during their retirement, continuing to help, and giving back to others. Service has always been an important part of their lives, and it continues here.”
A perfect fit
Jim first became familiar with Beacon Hill while delivering prescriptions for Lombard Pharmacy and developed great respect for the community’s warmth and sense of engagement. Now a resident, he says his early impressions were right. Carol added that the move has been an excellent choice, crediting the welcoming environment and supportive staff.
The celebration honored both the awards and the spirit of giving that continues to flourish in Jim and Carol’s new home. The Wixsons remain an inspiration to neighbors, friends, and all who know them, demonstrating that a life dedicated to helping others has no age limit.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is a senior living community in Lombard offering spacious, well-designed residences and a range of services that support independent, maintenance-free living for older adults. As a Life Care Community — formerly known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community — Beacon Hill provides a continuum of care, including independent living with access to higher levels of support. The community is owned and operated by Lifespace Communities, a non-profit organization with nearly five decades of experience in senior living. For more information, call (630) 620-5850 or visit BeaconHillLombard.com.