--- title: Our Stories description: Be inspired. Learn about the wonderful people who call us home. This is what Retirement Living in Canada looks like. image: https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hubfs/Aspira-01-29-11600_RS_Aug14.jpg --- CONTACT US **0800 920 2222** Search Sienna [CONTACT US](https://www.aspiralife.ca/contact-us/)     **[1-866-959-4848](tel:+18669594848)** [![Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Aspira%20Logos/Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB.png?width=3368&height=1403&name=Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB.png "Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB")](https://www.aspiralife.ca/) - [Our Locations](https://www.aspiralife.ca/our-locations) - [Find your Local Community](https://www.aspiralife.ca/our-locations) - [Living Options](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options) - [Seniors Apartments](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/seniors-apartments/) - [Independent Living](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/independent-living/) - [Assisted Living](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/assisted-living/) - [Respite Care](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/respite-care/) - [Memory Care](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/memory-care/) - [Plan Your Move](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move) - [How to Get Started](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/how-to-get-started/) - [Feature Webinars](https://www.aspiralife.ca/Plan-Your-Move/Feature-Webinars) - [Affordable Options](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/affordable-options/) - [FAQs](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/faqs/) - [About Us](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us) - [Essence of Aspira](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us/essence-of-aspira) - [Our Blogs](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us/our-blogs/) - [Leadership Team](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Leadership-Team) - [Quality](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Quality) Search Sienna [![Aspira-01-29-11600_RS_Aug14](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Aspira-01-29-11600_RS_Aug14.jpg?width=1600&height=900&name=Aspira-01-29-11600_RS_Aug14.jpg "Aspira-01-29-11600_RS_Aug14")](https://www.siennaliving.ca) # Our Stories ## Latest Stories ## [A Mother’s Day Special: Aspira moms through the decades](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/a-mothers-day-special-aspira-moms-through-the-decades) May 07, 2026 [Inspirational Life](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/inspirational-life) ## [The Art of Living to 100](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/the-art-of-living-to-100) April 10, 2026 [Centenarians](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/centenarians) ## [The Legacy Files: Women of Impact](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/the-legacy-files-women-of-impact) March 06, 2026 ## [Lest We Forget](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/lestweforget) November 11, 2025 ![Aspira-Photo-Hand-Painting-04-LR (2)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hubfs/Aspira-Photo-Hand-Painting-04-LR%20(2).jpg "Aspira-Photo-Hand-Painting-04-LR (2)") ### Featured Stories Filter By Categories - [Inspirational Life](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/inspirational-life) - [Ontario](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/ontario) - [Artists & Art Programs](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/artists-art-programs) - [British Columbia](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/british-columbia) - [Innovative Programs](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/innovative-programs) - [Giving Back](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/giving-back) [Retirement](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement) ## [‘Just like a great hotel on vacation’: George’s life at Harvest Crossing](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/just-like-a-great-hotel-on-vacation-georges-life-at-harvest-crossing) Dec 04, 2025 By the time George Lambert moved into Aspira Harvest Crossing, he already felt like part of the furniture. For years he had been visiting a friend who lived there, turning up so often that people assumed he was already a resident. [Retirement](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement) ## [A life of laughter, independence, and new beginnings: Mary Kleinschmidt’s story](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/a-life-of-laughter-independence-and-new-beginnings-mary-kleinschmidts-story) Jul 11, 2025 At 88, Mary Kleinschmidt is living proof that age is truly just a number. A mother of four, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of six, Mary’s life has been defined by resilience, resourcefulness, and a great sense of humour. [Quinte Gardens Retirement Residence](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/quinte-gardens-retirement-residence) ## [After raising a large family and a long career, Peggy Graham is happily retired at her old workplace](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/after-a-long-career-and-raising-a-large-family-peggy-graham-is-happily-retired-at-her-old-workplace-clone) Jun 26, 2025 At 90 years old, Peggy Graham is no stranger to hard work, big family dinners, and life in a small town. Having worked at Quinte Gardens she ended up retiring there. Here is her story. [Royale Place Retirement Residence](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/royale-place-retirement-residence) ## [Al Rodgerson: A life full of artistry, work, wit, and culture](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/al-rodgerson-a-life-full-of-artistry-work-wit-and-culture) Jun 18, 2025 When Al Rodgerson recounts several decades’ worth of stories, spanning across North America, his careers and his crafts. Now a resident at Aspira Royale Place, he shares not only his past, but how retirement living has become a new chapter. [Canada Day](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/canada-day) ## [What Canada and being Canadian means to our residents in 2025](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/what-canada-and-being-canadian-means-to-our-residents-in-2025) May 21, 2025 This Canada Day, we’re celebrating the voices, stories, and reflections of residents who have lived, served, and journeyed across this great nation. [Centenarians](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/centenarians) ## [Celebrating 105 years: Lessons from Ethel, a remarkable centenarian](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/celebrating-105-years-lessons-from-ethel-a-remarkable-centenarian) Apr 04, 2025 Reaching the age of 100 is a rare achievement, but at 105, Orchard Valley resident Ethel Dover embodies a combination of wisdom, strength, and kindness that makes her truly remarkable. [Retirement](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement) ## [How pets improve retirement living](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/how-pets-improve-retirement-living) Oct 16, 2024 Making the move to retirement living can often be daunting and overwhelming, but the transition can be much smoother with your beloved pet. [Inspirational Life](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/inspirational-life) ## [See how our Sparkle Award winners shine](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/see-how-our-sparkle-award-winners-shine) Jun 25, 2024 Discover the heartwarming stories of our exceptional residents who bring joy and community spirit to every corner of Aspira Retirement Living. [Milestone Stories](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/milestone-stories) ## [What it means to be Canadian for our residents](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/what-it-means-to-be-canadian-for-our-residents) Jun 10, 2024 Every July 1, Canadians around the country and those scattered across the globe unite in a grand celebration of Canada Day - a tribute to the country’s rich history and diversity. [All Posts](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/all) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) ### Subscribe to Emails ### Popular Stories [A life of laughter, independence, and new beginnings: Mary Kleinschmidt’s story](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/a-life-of-laughter-independence-and-new-beginnings-mary-kleinschmidts-story) July 11, 2025 [Rose Dolgy: Still cracking jokes and enjoying life at 106](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/rose-dolgy-still-cracking-jokes-and-enjoying-life-at-106) May 21, 2024 [Love lives here at Aspira](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/love-lives-here-at-aspira-retirement-living) February 02, 2026 [See how our Sparkle Award winners shine](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/see-how-our-sparkle-award-winners-shine) June 25, 2024 [The secret to 105-year-old Edna's long life is to "work hard and play hard"](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/the-secret-to-105-year-old-ednas-long-life-is-to-work-hard-and-play-hard) August 01, 2023 ### Popular Tags - 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