A tribute to two remarkable women whose warmth, resilience, faith, and kindness touched the hearts of our Serving Hands family.

A Spirit of Joy and Gratitude: Remembering Margaretha

Some people carry a light within them that naturally draws others in. Margaretha was one of those people.

At Serving Hands Senior Care, we had the privilege of knowing a woman whose warmth, humour, faith, and joyful spirit touched everyone around her. Even at 105 years old, Margaretha continued to brighten the lives of those who visited her with her quick wit, gratitude, and ability to find joy in everyday moments.

Born in Holland, Margaretha lived through many seasons of life, including the hardships of the Second World War before immigrating to Canada in search of a new beginning for her family. Though her life carried challenges, she never allowed hardship to overshadow her joy.

Rhonda, one of Margaretha’s caregivers, shared that what stood out most about her was her incredible sense of humour. She loved to joke, laugh, and keep life lighthearted. Margaretha often surprised people with her dry wit, suddenly suggesting they should “get in the car and drive to the mountains” or “go on the flatter” together for a day of gambling. Rhonda would laugh and play along, and together they shared countless moments of silliness and joy.

One of their favourite routines together was something they called their “lamentations.” Every visit, Margaretha would ask, “What are your lamentations today?” Together they would talk about the little frustrations of life — groceries, family worries, health, and aging — but Margaretha always ended those conversations with gratitude. She often spoke about how thankful she was for the loving home her daughter and son-in-law provided, and for the care and companionship surrounding her each day.

She especially adored her daughter’s dog, Stuart, who faithfully sat beside her at mealtimes hoping for a shared bite of lunch.

Margaretha also loved life’s simple comforts: classical music playing softly in the background, sitting outdoors listening to birds sing, audiobooks, knitting, sewing, tea served properly in a china cup, and of course — sweets. Rhonda fondly remembered how much she loved pastries, cookies, cakes with cream, and her Dutch rusks topped with butter and sugar.

During one visit, Margaretha shared the advice she would offer younger generations:
“You have to take the good days with the bad, and sometimes there are more bad days than good, but you have to accept what the Lord gives you.”

Her words reflected the grace, faith, and resilience she carried throughout her life.

Margaretha also deeply loved music, especially the hymn How Great Thou Art. Even as her voice softened with age, she still sang with heartfelt devotion and joy.

Espe, another devoted caregiver, shared a memory that perfectly captured Margaretha’s playful spirit. One day, when she was reluctant to take a shower, Espe joked, “Margaretha, it’s discount day at the car wash today. You don’t want to miss such a good deal!”

The two burst into laughter together, and in good humour Margaretha agreed to go for her “car wash.”

When asked what contributed to her long life, Margaretha answered with a smile:
“I was born naturally a happy person… I think that helped.”

And truly, happiness seemed to follow her wherever she went.

Margaretha reminded us that life is not measured only by hardships endured, but also by laughter shared, kindness given, gratitude carried, and the joy we bring to others.

Her warmth, humour, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by our Serving Hands family, but the memories she created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A Life Lived with Grace: Remembering Joan

Some people leave an impression on your heart the very first moment you meet them. Joan was one of those people.

At Serving Hands Senior Care, we have had the privilege of walking alongside many remarkable individuals, but Joan carried a quiet strength and warmth that will never be forgotten. Even at 104 years old, she greeted each day—and each person she met—with gentleness, patience, and gratitude.

One of my most treasured memories was visiting Joan to present her with congratulatory letters recognizing her incredible milestone 103rd birthday from the King, the Governor General, and the communities of Stony Plain and Spruce Grove. It was a deeply special moment that reflected just how extraordinary her life truly was.

When I first met Joan, she welcomed me with a soft smile and kind eyes. Though her hearing had significantly diminished, communication never felt difficult—it felt meaningful. We would write our responses down for her, and with great care she would lift her large magnifying glass to read each word before smiling warmly and sharing her thoughts. There was such grace, patience, and dignity in every interaction with her.

Born and raised in Brighton, England, Joan’s life was marked by courage, resilience, and adventure. At only 21 years old, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War, serving as a cook and preparing meals for hundreds of people each day. She lived through air raids, loss, uncertainty, and moments that could have changed the course of her life forever. Yet despite everything she experienced, Joan remained cheerful, hopeful, and deeply appreciative of life.

In 1946, following the war, Joan boarded the Queen Mary and immigrated to Canada, where she built a life rooted in love, resilience, friendship, and family.

What stood out most about Joan, however, was not only the history she carried—but the joy she continued to find in everyday moments.

Those who cared for Joan remember a woman who never seemed to stop smiling.

Tanya recalls how Joan was always excited to catch up, eager to hear stories about family, grandchildren, pets, gardens, and everyday life. In return, Joan loved sharing stories of England, the war, her children and grandchildren, and the many memories she carried throughout her remarkable life.

Joan especially loved nature and longed to be outdoors. On days she could not go outside, Tanya would open the front door so Joan could sit nearby, feel the warmth of the sun, listen to the birds, and watch the cats wander in and out. She would close her eyes and imagine herself outside picking flowers.

They also spent many afternoons crafting together. Though Joan sometimes worried that her “103-year-old fingers” would not cooperate, Tanya gently encouraged her to keep trying. Together they painted, knitted, and created Christmas crafts, including little Santa gnomes that Joan was incredibly proud of. One of her final creations was a small wooden tray decorated with birds, buttons, and flowers—a reflection of her love for springtime and the beauty she still found in the world around her.

Those who knew Joan will also remember the simple things she loved most: red roses, fresh baked bread, a good cup of tea, meaningful conversation, and companionship shared with people she cared about.

Jenise recalls how Joan greeted her with “the biggest smile and a warm hug” and always had a way of making people feel welcomed and special. What stood out most was Joan’s outlook on life. Despite all she had lived through, she rarely complained and instead often spoke about how lucky she felt.

When asked the secret to her long life, Joan once shared:
“I try to keep cheerful and greet each new day with a smile. Life is full of surprises—you never know what will happen.”

That spirit stayed with everyone who had the honour of knowing her.

Joan reminded us that strength can be gentle, resilience can be quiet, and kindness leaves a lasting legacy. Her stories, humour, warmth, and unwavering grace touched our Serving Hands family in ways words can scarcely express.

Though Joan is deeply missed, the light she brought into the lives of others will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.