Resident Spotlight: John & Linda Boudman – A Life of Service, Sports and Community

When John and Linda Boudman moved to Cornwall Manor in October 2018, they brought with them a lifetime of experiences rooted in hard work, creativity, and a love for people. Married for 46 years, John and Linda first met in Somerset, Pennsylvania, through social circles and their shared church community. At the time, each had two children from previous marriages, and together they built a blended family that became the foundation for their remarkable journey.

Early Careers and Shared Passions

Both John and Linda began their professional lives at Somerset State Hospital, working in therapeutic recreation—a field dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life through meaningful activities. John oversaw recreational programs, while Linda contributed her talents before transitioning to Gerard Bank for five years. These early roles reflected their shared commitment to helping others, a theme that would carry through every chapter of their lives.

John’s creativity extended beyond his career. In the 1970s, he developed a passion for restoring antique iceboxes, refinishing more than 100 pieces. “I wasn’t a carpenter,” John recalls, “but I loved the challenge of bringing something old back to life.” This hands-on hobby foreshadowed the entrepreneurial spirit that would define the next phase of their lives.

From Racquet Club to National Recognition

After leaving the hospital, John managed a health spa and racquet club in Somerset, where he first began stringing racquets. Later, he started his racquet-stringing business in Doylestown, PA. At the time, few people offered this specialized service locally, and John saw an opportunity. What began as a side project quickly grew into a thriving enterprise.

Their reputation soared. They became the official stringers for New Jersey racquetball tournaments and soon received invitations to events in Maryland, Delaware, New York—and eventually 23 states, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. At the height of their business, John and Linda were handling 135–150 boxes of racquets per month, with each box containing 1–6 racquets. That added up to approximately 5,000 frames per year—or around 400 per month. “Stringing is a science,” John explains. “The tension and technique can change a player’s game.” His expertise earned him a spot among just 15 professionals nationwide invited to teach certification courses in proper racquet stringing.

Linda joined the business full-time in 1986, managing operations and traveling alongside John. For more than two decades, their motto—“Our service to the player”—captured their dedication to quality and personal connection. In 2012, John sold the business, closing a chapter that had taken them from local tournaments to national prominence.

A New Chapter in Hershey and Beyond

After their racquetball years, Linda worked for Verizon as a Maintenance Administrator, supporting field technicians for 11 years before retiring in 2011. John continued stringing until selling the business, and in 2018, the couple moved from Hershey to Cornwall Manor—a transition made easy by the short distance and the welcoming community they found here. “This was the first time I truly felt retired,” John says with a smile.

Life at Cornwall Manor

The Boudmans wasted no time immersing themselves in Cornwall Manor life. They continued their 15-year tradition of volunteering with Meals on Wheels until recently, shifting their focus to campus activities and service. Today, they are passionate advocates for Cornwall Manor’s Trailside Organic Farm, helping clean produce, assist at weekly markets, and support special events. “We believe the nutrients in organic food are so important for healthy aging,” Linda shares. They also maintain four garden plots on the Buckingham Campus, growing vegetables, they enjoy fresh, frozen, or pickled. Linda’s sourdough bread is a favorite among friends and neighbors.

Community involvement is second nature to Linda. She chairs the Blooms & More Festival for 2026, sings with CM Sings! and the Lebanon County Choral Society, and participates in Artful Connections classes taught by professional artists. John enjoys billiards, tinkering in the woodshop, and reading murder mysteries. Together, they stay active with Aqua Walk, fitness center workouts, and volunteer efforts at Trailside Organic Farm. They also serve as Marketing Ambassadors, sharing their experiences with prospective residents and hosting visitors.

A Life Well Lived

When asked what they love most about Cornwall Manor, John and Linda don’t hesitate: “The people,” they say. “Residents and staff are so warm and friendly. Since our business was people-focused, that sense of community means everything to us.” In their spare time, they enjoy board and dice games with neighbors, holiday gatherings with family, and the simple joy of living in a place that feels like home.

From restoring antique iceboxes to shaping the racquetball industry, from volunteering in their community to embracing life at Cornwall Manor, John and Linda Boudman exemplify resilience, generosity, and the power of connection. Their story reminds us that retirement isn’t an ending—it’s a new beginning filled with purpose and possibility.