Our Stories

Marilyn Renaud, PSW, started at Fieldstone Commons Care Community on the day it opened, in 2003. She takes great pride in every aspect of her role, including mentoring new PSWs and students. “Some residents even call me ‘Teacher,’” she says, “because I’m very disciplined with students.” She reflected that she has a great sense of responsibility when teaching younger team members to provide the best care for residents. While the tasks of her job can be taught, she shares that it takes a special person to be a PSW: “You have to have love and passion to care for seniors. They need our help and we have to put our best foot forward every day.”

Residents and team members at Island View Retirement Residence in Arnprior, ON, made the most of 2018 with events, laughter, and smiles! They shared some of their favourite memories, captured below. From sunshine socials to charitable donations, we know you’ll love these!

It’s tradition. Every month, residents and team members come together at Kensington Place Retirement Residence in Toronto, ON, to make challah bread, a tradition baked into the cultural roots of many of the residents. Enjoy some of the photos below of a recent challah bread baking session — how would you customize your loaf?

Silvano Vascotto had often played in the band at this dance hall, but on this night he was just one of the dancers. It was a good thing too, because within the crowd was his future wife.

The year is 1935: in Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler has reinstated the Luftwaffe, violating the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. It is at this time that 14-year-old Ivor Lloyd Rooney joins the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Bugle Band to pursue his love of music.

Vitaliano joined the Fanteria 19^th regiment of the Italian Army and completed basic training in Nicastro, in the province of Catenzaro, Italy. He was sent to Crete,Greece, which was a very active area in World War II, with numerous bombings.

Peitro was a foot soldier in the Italian Army. He completed his training in Como, Milano and Antora. He was then deployed to Russia in October 1943, where he fought along the Sol Don River.

Winnifred Grant’s childhood was bookended by war. Born in London, England, in 1918, just as the first world war came to a close, Winnie joined the Royal British Air Force and entered WWII when she was still in her teens.

Armando enlisted in the Italian Army in 1942, hoping to become a police officer. After training as a foot soldier in Caserma Macao, Rome, Armando was set to be deployed when Italy declared “aminstia” – they had surrendered.

Twenty-eight years after the horrific Halifax explosion, the sky over the harbour was once again erupting with the shimmer and thunder of heavy artillery.

Story written by Hazel, a resident at Deerwood Creek Care Community in Etobicoke, ON, in memory of her husband, Thomas Keen.

Biography written by Winifred’s daughter.