Three Woburn natives return to their roots at New Horizons

Despite being three of New Horizons at Choate’s newest residents, Jean McElhinney, Mary McElhiney (no relation – note the difference in spelling), and Robert “Bob” Naughton, have many happy memories from the Warren Avenue building. All three moved to the retirement community only within the past few months, but they have meaningful ties to the property from years ago, when it was home to Choate Memorial Hospital.

Jean, a Woburn native, spent many hours there, first as an employee while in high school and, later, as a seven-time patient in the maternity ward.

“Things have changed so much since I was at Choate Hospital,” said Jean. “I have great memories and loved spending time in the sunroom. I’m looking forward to making more happy memories here.”

The connection with the hospital also extends to Jean’s four sisters, all of whom worked there as nurses.

Mary, another Woburnite, came to New Horizons from her home on Ash Street, where she and her husband, Leo, former Woburn police chief and New Horizons trustee, raised their two sons.

“Not only were my two boys born at the Choate in the fifties, but I was born here as well!” said Mary. “Like so many other Woburn residents, I was so pleased when it became New Horizons.”

Bob, a former attorney, served as president of Choate Memorial Hospital’s board of directors.

“It’s been many years since I’ve spent time at the Choate,” said Bob. “I’m so pleased that its high energy level and great atmosphere is still alive and well at New Horizons. I’m happy to be part of it again – without having to be at work!”

Bob moved to New Horizons from Burlington, but was originally from the west side of Woburn. An active community member, he was a member of the Woburn Planning Board and previously served on the boards of Northern Bank and Trust and Brookhaven at Lexington.

New Horizons’ apartments are primarily open to residents of Woburn, Winchester, and Medford. Woburnites are in the clear majority, however, currently making up 55 percent of the population.

“We enjoy a close-knit community here at New Horizons,” said Executive Director Christine Coakley, a Woburn native who has been with the retirement community for 22 years. “For many new residents, it’s like they’re coming home to friends when they move in because they already know several of their new neighbors.”

###

PHOTO: (l to r) Jean McElhinney, Bob Naughton, and Mary McElhiney are some of New Horizons at Choate’s newest residents. They have meaningful ties to the property from when it was Choate Memorial Hospital