Jan Hogle

A Life of Faith, Love and Service:
Jan Hogle’s Journey to Patriots Colony

When Jan Hogle and her husband, Air Force Lt. Gen. Walter S. "Woody" Hogle, moved to Patriots Colony at Williamsburg in July 2021, it was more than just a transition—it was a divine plan unfolding.

After 35 years of service in the Air Force and a decade of working for several aerospace industries, retirement living on Smith Mountain Lake and a realization the property upkeep was more than he wanted to continue to do, Woody suggested to Jan that they move to a retirement community.

“I loved it there so much and was a little resistant, but he had a good point,” Jan said.

Her fear?

“I thought we would come through the gates, and they would slam shut behind us, and we’d be stuck with a bunch of old people,” she recalled with a laugh, looking back and realizing how wrong she was.

Instead, their move to Patriots Colony became a journey she’s convinced was guided by a hand of faith every step of the way.

A Life of Movement and Commitment

Jan and Woody’s story began six decades ago, as college sweethearts from Massachusetts and New York, respectively.

As a young man during the Vietnam era, Woody had hoped to attend graduate school, but life had other plans. He chose to serve, embarking on a distinguished career as a pilot and military officer.

Meanwhile, Jan charted her own path, beginning in medical technology before shifting to education and management training as they moved around the country and started their family.

Where they went, and how often, was ultimately shaped by Woody’s military career, moving 30 times in 56 years of marriage.

Finding Home at Patriots Colony

Their final move was spurred by Woody’s realization that maintaining their lakeside home at Smith Mountain Lake had become too much. Despite initial resistance, Jan saw the wisdom in his suggestion. The pandemic loomed over their decision, but the real estate market proved favorable, and they made the leap.

Only five months after settling in, their lives took a heartbreaking turn—Woody was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

Even in that devastating moment, Jan found comfort in their decision to move.

“We were in the perfect place,” she said about Patriots Colony. “Health care was a five-minute walk. Cancer treatment was a ten-minute drive. At the lake, we would have been an hour away.”

Just as important as the practical benefits was the emotional support she found at Patriots Colony.

“I was surrounded by a loving, caring community,” she said. “It was a very difficult year, but being here made it much more doable.”

Embracing a New Chapter

Now, nearly two years after Woody’s passing in April 2023, Jan continues to find purpose and joy in her new community.

At 79 (soon to be 80), she remains active, engaged and full of life.

She leads Bible studies, participates in music groups, and even conducts a 15-member pipe band. What started as a Christmas caroling session with her pipes evolved into a lively ding-a-long, sing-along group, known for their humorous and heartfelt performances.

“Our move here was a milestone,” she said. “And the people here are amazing. With us all coming from a service-oriented life, there’s a bond among us.”

Beyond the residents, she praises the staff, describing them as “expertise with a heart.”

From maintenance to health care, she sees them not just as workers but as an extended part of her family—a family she needed over the last couple of years.

A Legacy of Faith and Family

Leaving their cherished lake home was not easy. Jan remembers their final dinner there, when one of her granddaughters became emotional at the thought of never returning.

But another grandchild wisely said, “it’s not the place that’s important—it’s the family and being together.”

For Jan, she believes that, too. And she believes that it’s her faith that guided her to Patriots Colony.

“My goal in life is to hear at the end of my life from God, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant,’” she says. “My goal is to love God and love people. Do I fail? All the time. But it is the essence of who I want to be.”

As she approaches 80, she reflects on the passage of time with both humor and gratitude.

“I can’t hardly believe that I am 80, because that seems really, really old,” she said with a smile.

Yet, age has not slowed her down. With pipes in hand, a community by her side, and faith in her heart, Jan continues to embrace each day at Patriots Colony as a gift—one she knows was meant to be.