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Latest Stories

A Mother’s Day Special: Aspira moms through the decades

May 07, 2026

Inspirational Life

The Art of Living to 100

April 10, 2026

Centenarians

The Legacy Files: Women of Impact

March 06, 2026

Lest We Forget

November 11, 2025

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Featured Stories

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Retirement

‘Just like a great hotel on vacation’: George’s 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

A life of laughter, independence, and new beginnings: Mary Kleinschmidt’s 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

After raising a large family and a long career, Peggy Graham is happily retired at her old workplace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
Centenarians

Rose Dolgy: Still cracking jokes and enjoying life at 106

May 21, 2024
Rose Dolgy, a spirited, quick-witted 106-year-old resident of Kensington Place, has lived a life filled with rich experiences, unwavering dedication, and remarkable resilience.
Centenarians

Pat, Hermann and Ingrid: Three of our artistic residents enjoying their passion

Apr 25, 2024
We talk to three of our art-loving residents about their passion and how they stay creative in retirement living
Centenarians

Gwen Found: One centenarian's journey of adventure, achievement, and joyful longevity

Apr 05, 2024
Gwen Found's journey through over a century highlights the power of an active lifestyle, a fulfilling career, and the joy of embracing every moment.
Centenarians

The Order-of-Canada-winning humanitarian, centenarian and explorer who made a global impact

Apr 05, 2024
In Canadian medical history, few individuals have had such a meaningful and influential life as Dr. Robert O'Dowda Stephens or “Dr Bob” as he is more affectionately known.
Centenarians

Millie Borchert at 101: A life of exploration, family, and embracing change

Apr 05, 2024
At 101, Millie Borchert's life is a straightforward tale of adventure, adaptation, hard work, and family bonds.
Milestone Stories

Still living a life filled with fun, friends and activities at 95

Feb 29, 2024
In the rural Ontario town of Uxbridge sits the vibrant retirement community of Douglas Crossing where Helen Lee resides.
Inspirational Life

Andy and Frances: The heart-warming story of the residents who met and married at Harvest Crossing

Feb 09, 2024
In the charming community of Harvest Crossing, a story unfolded that reminds us how ageless love is. It’s a tale of second chances and the joy of rediscovering love, even in the golden years.
Milestone Stories

The endearing love story of Ann and Arnold

Feb 09, 2024
These days West Park Crossing resident Ann Speirs enjoys a fulfilling life in retirement living. Before making the move into the vibrant Moosejaw residence, Ann was married to the love of her life, Arnold Speirs.
Milestone Stories

Thelma and Weldon Kilburn: A Peninsula Love Story

Feb 09, 2024
Thelma and Weldon Kilburn's romance is a tale of enduring affection and shared adventure. =
Orchard Valley Retirement Residence

Bob & Blanche: Celebrating 70 years of marriage

Feb 09, 2024
Blanche and Bob, both popular Orchard Valley residents, celebrated an extraordinary 70 years of marriage on November 28th, 2023.
Retirement

A life of love, family, dedication and creativity

Jan 19, 2024
In the serene, welcoming environment of Lynde Creek Gardens, Harold Hoskings shared a life story that mirrors the depth and complexity of his impressive landscape artworks.
Awards & Achievements

From Ontario’s Rugby Hall of Fame to a new life at Island View

Dec 29, 2023
Mike Fisher's life story is one of passion, adaptability, and community. His journey from a small town in northern England to the vibrant community at Island View retirement home encapsulates a life rich in experiences and achievements.
Intergenerational

Let’s all go to the ball game: Harvest Crossing residents cheer on the Blue Jays

Dec 19, 2023
In the golden years of life, every day is a chance to relive cherished passions and reignite old flames. For two women residents at Harvest Crossing, a recent outing to see the Toronto Blue Jays in action at the Rogers Centre was not just an evening of baseball; it was an example of the excitement a life in a retirement community can bring.
Centenarians

Family, farming and retirement bliss: A mother and son’s life at Hunter Village

Dec 01, 2023
In the serene surroundings of Saskatoon’s Hunter Village retirement community, an extraordinary family story unfolds. Lyle Poley, an 80-year-old former farmer and his centenarian mother Esther Poley call the residence home.
Giving Back

Astoria's heartwarming Thanksgiving gesture for the Port Coquitlam community

Oct 12, 2023
The Aspira Astoria Retirement residence in the center of Port Coquitlam is not just an emblem of premium senior living, it is also a beacon of community spirit and kindness.
Awards & Achievements

Bill Reid: A life of artistry and passion

Sep 22, 2023
At 93, Bill Reid possesses the vibrant spirit of a much younger man and artistic skills that have stood the test of time.
Centenarians

The secret to 105-year-old Edna's long life is to "work hard and play hard"

Aug 01, 2023
At 105 years young, Edna Dobie, is a fascinating and affable resident of Aspira West Park Crossing in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan.
Milestone Stories

What Canada Day means to our residents

Jun 28, 2023
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.
Innovative Programs

Island Park residents help students learn from the past thanks to the Legacy Memory Project

Jun 28, 2023
After a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legacy Memory Project found a new lease of life this year, drawing participation from 19 students from Grades 11 and 12 at Campbellford District High School (CDHS).
Kensington Place Retirement Residence

Students and residents alike have a ball at pen-pal program ‘Prom Night’ at Aspira Kensington Place

Jun 20, 2023
In a heartwarming display of intergenerational bonding, Aspira Kensington Place retirement home recently hosted a “Prom Night” as part of their flourishing pen-pal program.
Awards & Achievements

Vivian Klinck: An Artist's Journey to Kensington Court

Jun 08, 2023
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the early 1940s, Vivian Klinck’s journey to becoming a respected artist wasn’t straightforward. Her relationship with her craft started from a young age and she graduated from Michigan State University with a minor in art ...
Innovative Programs

Sienna Supper blossoming into a beautiful, charitable tradition

Apr 27, 2023
It started at Aspira Lynde Creek Gardens as a compassionate gesture for Thanksgiving. Today it is slowly blossoming into a new Sienna tradition known as Sienna Supper.
Milestone Stories

A platinum union: Orchard Valley residents Gordon and Doreen Ellinson celebrate their 70th wedding

Apr 14, 2023
More than 70 years ago, after a chance meeting at a dance in New Westminster, Gordon and Doreen hit it off right away.
Centenarians

Celebrating centenarians at Aspira on the 100th day of the year

Apr 04, 2023
Being a centenarian is an exceptional and somewhat rare feat. The odds of any of us making it to dizzying heights of 100 years old are slim, about 5,000 to one in fact. So it’s no surprise ....
Retirement

Gail Bissett loves the food, staff and her social life at Aspira Hunter Village and feels “so much younger” since moving in.

Mar 30, 2023
Gail Bissett grew up on a farm 40 miles from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The self-proclaimed “prairie farm girl” made the move to Saskatoon in 1964 where she earned a degree in nursing.
Awards & Achievements

After an exceptional, award-filled life and career Gary Gullickson is happy to relax with his wife at Aspira Hunter Village

Feb 24, 2023
Gary Gullickson has lived, and continues to live, a very full life. He is a doer, someone who is constantly busy it seems, and whose life is dotted with incredible awards.
Mayfair Terrace Retirement Residence

After 13 years talented chef Joy Green still loves helping out residents and expanding their culinary tastes at Aspira Mayfair Terrace

Feb 21, 2023
Joy Green, 72, is a smart, articulate woman happily residing at Aspira Mayfair Terrace in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. A third-generation Japanese-Canadian, she was born in Manitoba ...
Inspirational Life

Celebrating romance and love at Aspira for Valentine’s Day

Feb 13, 2023
It’s February again so love is in the air. People across many walks of life are currently planning a romantic surprise for their significant other on February 14th.
Ontario

Willi Stork deepened his love of music and easily embraced his new life at Aspira Lynde Creek Gardens

Jan 24, 2023
Willi Stork’s German accent appears to be as strong as ever. It’s hard to believe he’s spent the vast majority of his life living in Canada. Born in Germany in 1934, Stork grew up during WW2.
Inspirational Life

Former teacher Evelyn and published author Jim love the freedom and convenience of retirement living having made the switch six years ago

Nov 30, 2022
When you see them spending time together it’s obvious that Jim and Evelyn Andreas love to laugh. The Saskatchewan couple have been married for 72 years ...
Island Park Retirement Residence

Island Park looks after its own and the saga of the Tilley hat

Nov 11, 2022
On a Sunday afternoon late last June I decided to go for a walk in Ferris Park by the way of the suspension bridge. My wife Ann - always the keeper of the welfare of her family - asked me where I was going.
Inspirational Life

After teaching for over 60 years Andrew Mathuik has rediscovered his love of art at Aspira Yorkton Crossing

Oct 24, 2022
Andrew Mathuik, 90, has enjoyed his four years at Aspira, he holds the staff in very high regard, is an active member of the Residents Council and has reignited his love of art.
Quinte Gardens Retirement Residence

Book lover Joanne Perschick volunteers at Quinte Gardens library, hits the pool and enjoys movies at night with friends

Oct 04, 2022
An avid reader, Joanne Perschick has a passion for books so it’s no surprise that her favourite thing about Aspira Quinte Gardens is the library. She even volunteers there.
Awards & Achievements

Ron Fox: How a career salesman became a retired “Duck Daddy” who stopped to smell – and tend to - the roses at Aspira Quinte Gardens

Sep 14, 2022
These days 85-year-old Ron Fox loves nothing more than gardening in the sun at his retirement home. I guess the popular Belleville community is called Aspira Quinte Gardens for a reason.

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Popular Stories

A life of laughter, independence, and new beginnings: Mary Kleinschmidt’s story
July 11, 2025
Rose Dolgy: Still cracking jokes and enjoying life at 106
May 21, 2024
See how our Sparkle Award winners shine
June 25, 2024
Love lives here at Aspira
February 02, 2026
The secret to 105-year-old Edna's long life is to "work hard and play hard"
August 01, 2023

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