At 90 years old, Peggy Graham is no stranger to hard work, big family dinners, and life in a small town. Born and raised in Corbyville, Ontario, Peggy has spent her entire life just outside Belleville. “I lived in one little village in Corbyville, Ontario all my life,” she said with pride. A mother of eight, grandmother to 15, and great-grandmother to 17, her busy life has been full of family and purpose.
Peggy started working young. “I went to do bail work when I was 15,” she recalls, beginning a long stretch of employment that defined much of her life. After impressively raising her eight children, she returned to the workforce for another 31 years at a local Chevrolet dealership. “I worked 31 years at a Chevy dealership in Belleville,” she said.
Coming out of retirement to work at Quinte Gardens
“When I retired, I was friends with the people that built Quinte Gardens, and they asked me to come on and work as the concierge.” And so Peggy did — and she stayed in that role for five years. “I really enjoyed my time here,” she reflected. Though she left the position at the age of 79, Quinte Gardens stayed with her. “There’s a feeling,” she said of the residence. “That’s why I came back. There’s that feeling — family. It’s nice.” And now, more than a decade after retiring from her concierge role, Peggy has returned, this time as a resident.
The decision to move from her longtime home wasn’t easy. “I had a house and I lived there 65 years. My husband died in 2008,” she explained. “But my legs started to go and the house was 65 years old and it just needed repairs that I didn’t have the energy or the budget to look after.” After a fall, she agreed with her children that it was time to move. “We came here and looked at a little apartment and I liked it and just went like that. There was no doubt in my mind that I would come to Quinte Gardens.” Peggy has been at Quinte Gardens for six months now and has never looked back.
Settling in with ease
Despite her familiarity with the place, Peggy was surprised at how quickly she adapted. “I settled in very well and I was quite content right from day one,” she said smiling. “I surprised myself at how quickly I settled in.” She credits the welcoming staff and residents, and a few extra gestures that went a long way. “One of the staff came up to talk to me very friendly and brought me a cup of tea and a sandwich because my leg was sore. And then a nurse came and talked to me — and they made it (her leg) feel good.”
“There’s always something for you to do”
Now, Peggy’s days are full in a different way. “I get up early. I use the pool early in the morning, it helps my legs. Then I make my own breakfast and I either read a lot or watch TV a lot. Then I tidy up my room and go for lunch, the meals are super.” Entertainment and activities are always available, and Peggy joins in whenever she feels like. “There’s always something for you to do if you want to get out of your room.”
Great food, friends and staff
Friendship has been another gift of retirement living. “I have made a lot of friends, there are people I went to school with. Teachers that my children had, they're here too, and I’ve come in contact with them all.” She added with a smile: “If I stop, I might not get going. So everybody keeps me going.” Peggy speaks warmly of the staff, noting how attentive and accommodating they are. “Any question is answered. The kitchen staff and the servers are always there. If you don’t like what’s on the menu, you can order something else — bacon and eggs, half a meal, whatever you like. They’re very accommodating. And the food, the food is great.”
When asked what she’d tell someone considering retirement living, Peggy doesn’t hesitate. “Leaving your home is a big decision, but this will become home.” She urges others to come in, take a look and talk to the people. “I’ve made many friends. They’re good people. We’re all a little crazy when we get to this age — but it’s a good crazy.”
For Peggy Graham, retirement living isn’t about slowing down. It’s about connection, comfort, and the confidence that comes from knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. “This is home,” she says simply. “And I’ve never regretted it (going to Quinte) for a minute.”