Wind Crest Offers Time for Art, Friendships, and Carefree Living

For over 50 years, Dr. Deborah Bublitz has cared for countless children as a dedicated pediatrician in Littleton, Colo. When she retired, she knew Wind Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., was the perfect place to begin her next chapter.

Her husband, Dr. Clark Bublitz, a biochemistry professor, had researched continuing care retirement communities and recommended Wind Crest. Although he passed away before they could make the move together, Deborah followed his advice and is delighted with the decision.

"I listened to him, and I have not been disappointed," she says. "It's a wonderful place!"

A path to medicine

Deborah grew up in Massachusetts, spending summers with her grandparents in Canada. As a young woman, she faced a crucial decision: Choosing between scholarships to art school and a more traditional college. Ultimately, she attended Bates College in Maine, where her interest in medicine took root, and then Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md.

The decision marked the beginning of a successful and impactful career that would span more than five decades.

Discovering pediatrics

After completing her early medical training, Deborah faced the decision of which specialty to pursue. At the time, pediatrics was not her first choice.

"I took pediatrics as the last part of my residency because I was sure I wasn't going to like it," she admits.

To her surprise, she found the field deeply rewarding. "I liked the freshness of it, the newness, because kids had no history. They had so much potential, and every few years, everything about them changed," she explains.

During her time at Johns Hopkins, Deborah also met her future husband, Clark. Following their wedding, they relocated several times. In St. Louis, Mo., Deborah trained at the St. Louis Children's Hospital, the pediatric teaching location for Washington University School of Medicine. When Clark later accepted a position in Denver, Colo., she completed her residency at the University of Colorado Medical Center.

Amidst the couple's professional commitments, they welcomed five children, born within a six-year span.

Long and fulfilling career

Deborah went on to serve families in the Littleton community for more than five decades. Her patients affectionately nicknamed her "Dr. Bubbles," a title she recalls fondly.

"I enjoyed watching children develop, helping them when they had problems, and seeing them into adulthood," Deborah says. "I just loved it!"

Her longevity in practice led to frequent reunions with former patients. "I often meet people who say, 'Remember me?'" she explains.

Meeting a former patient

One particularly meaningful reconnection came at Wind Crest with Home Support Scheduler Hannah Holzemer, who had been one of Deborah's pediatric patients.

"Deborah said, 'I remember you, and I hope you're doing well. It's really cool to see how you're all grown up!'" recalls Holzemer. "It was nice to see her, as it had been a while. She always made you feel really comfortable. I would get nervous about shots and such. But her go-to phrase was 'You're just so perfect.' She made you feel like the doctor wasn't a scary place."

Holzemer adds, "It was heartwarming to see her. She helped me for so long. As a scheduler, if she ever needed that, I can now help her."

A return to art

In retirement, Deborah has taken up painting, a passion she set aside as a young woman. Working primarily in acrylics, she focuses on landscapes and farm scenes, inspired by her upbringing in Massachusetts as well as her time spent in Maine and Canada.

Her subjects reflect both memory and imagination--rolling hills, barns, and fields that speak to her New England roots.

Her talent has been recognized within and beyond the Wind Crest community. Her work has been featured in three on-site exhibits, as well as at AdventHealth Littleton, where she donated proceeds from the sales to help fund the hospital's art program. Most recently, her paintings were displayed at Zing Credit Union in Denver.

"I didn't expect my work to be shown," she says. "I was shocked. I still am." For Deborah, painting is not only an artistic outlet but also a way to stay connected, share beauty, and contribute to the broader community.

Embracing community life

Beyond her art, Deborah enjoys a rich daily life at Wind Crest. She spends time reading, socializing with fellow residents, and taking advantage of the many amenities available.

"I don't have any worries. I have as much freedom here as I need," she says. "Wind Crest is an excellent place."

Wind Crest's dining options, fitness programs, and resident-led clubs provide Deborah with opportunities to stay active and engaged. Most importantly, she appreciates the peace of mind that comes from living in a community designed for security and support.

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Michele Wojciechowski