--- title: Our Stories | Independent Living description: Independent Living | 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) ## [Love lives here at Aspira](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/love-lives-here-at-aspira-retirement-living) February 02, 2026 [Retirement](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement) ## [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) ## [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. [Retirement](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement) ## [A life of love, family, dedication and creativity](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/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](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/awards-achievements) ## [From Ontario’s Rugby Hall of Fame to a new life at Island View](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/from-ontarios-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. [Centenarians](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/centenarians) ## [Family, farming and retirement bliss: A mother and son’s life at Hunter Village](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/family-farming-and-retirement-bliss-a-mother-and-sons-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. [Awards & Achievements](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/awards-achievements) ## [Bill Reid: A life of artistry and passion](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/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](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/centenarians) ## [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) Aug 01, 2023 At 105 years young, Edna Dobie, is a fascinating and affable resident of Aspira West Park Crossing in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan. [Awards & Achievements](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/awards-achievements) ## [Vivian Klinck: An Artist's Journey to Kensington Court](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/vivian-klinck-an-artists-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 ... 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