Mariette Cornelius
Mariette, who is 91 years old, was born in Belgium, moved to Sarnia at the age of four then to Wallaceburg ten years later. Wallaceburg quickly became her home back then and thanks to the Oaks Retirement Village, it remains her home today.
During her early life in Wallaceburg, Mariette worked in the OR at the local hospital for six years then at the Wellington Clinic for various doctors for 16 more years. She was happily married to Maurice Cornelius and together they raised a son (Barry) and a daughter (Cathryn). They lived for 40 years on the Snye River and when Maurice took ill, they moved to an apartment in town where Mariette continued to live right up until she moved into the Oaks last November becoming the Oaks first resident.
With everyday tasks becoming more difficult and knowing she was ready for this next chapter in her life, Mariette told us “I just got up one day and took a drive over to the Oaks and signed up. I can still have my car here, I get plenty of exercise taking daily walks throughout the village giving me the physical exercise I need, and the interaction with the other residents and staff help in keeping my mind fit too.”
Through the years, Mariette has also been fortunate to also welcome five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. Not only has her move to the Oaks allowed her to continue her life in familiar surroundings, but her friend Marie (a friend with whom she travelled the east coast years before) is now also her neighbour here at the Oaks. “If I could sum things up,” said Mariette, “it’s like being on a cruise, food’s great, there’s lots to do and lots of new and old friends to spend time with.”
Gerald Makey
Gerry was born in Morpeth, Ontario (just outside of Ridgetown). When Gerry entered the working world, his first job was in Ridgetown at a butcher shop. Not long after, he began his career at the Corporation for the County of Kent, where he worked for 38 years. Eventually he was promoted to Certified Road Supervisor and at that time, he moved into the city of Chatham. During his early retirement years Gerry continued to enjoy fishing and hunting; as well, he worked one day a week in the kitchen at the Chatham Active Lifestyle Centre.
Gerry was married twice and was the father of two daughters and one son (deceased), as well as a stepson and step daughter. As the years passed, Gerry welcomed six grandchildren (including a set of twins), however, was later saddened by another loss, that of his grandson. Over time, Gerry happily welcomed even more to his family…..four great grandchildren! In addition to all of his family, he also has been best friends for the past twelve years with “Nitro,” his puppy.
As Gerry’s health led him to look into retirement communities his main concern was his friend Nitro. “If Nitro couldn’t move with me, I wouldn’t move,” said Gerry. He wasn’t about to leave his best friend behind. Fortunately for Gerry and Nitro, they are able to continue their life together here at the Oaks Retirement Village, where they moved this past April. There is lots of green space available around the Oaks to walk Nitro and to enjoy the outdoors. “Everyone here knows Nitro by name, this is our home now and there are some areas that are off limit for Nitro here, but that’s OK Nitro and I can live with that!” said Gerry with a smile.
Jeanne Fox
Born and raised in Wallaceburg, Jeanne Fox feels happy and at home here at the Oaks Retirement Village. “I always feel safe and the people are really friendly here,” said Jeanne.
Jeanne was married at the young age of eighteen to Brian Fox and together they had three children, two daughters and a son. Four years into their marriage, Jeanne went back to school and became a teacher, and once she retired from teaching full time, she became a substitute teacher. After Brian finished university in the late 60s he and Jeanne moved to the Fox family farm just outside of Wallaceburg. Concurrently Brian worked on the farm and at Waltec in Wallaceburg until it closed. Brian ultimately became president of Fox Farms, a large cash crop farming operation that is still farmed today.
Jeanne is very proud of her children, “I raised a pharmacist, a farmer, and my youngest who is expecting my 5th grandchild in September, she is my go to girl.” In 1984, Jeanne acquired a brain injury which was a complication that resulted after going through a non-related surgery. This injury affected her short-term memory, making it difficult to continue to live on her own after the passing of her beloved husband just over two years ago. Jeanne said that her husband is what helped her through all of these years. He taught her to not feel sorry for herself, and to use a notebook to keep track of things. She continues to live by his words, “I am still very capable and competent. I just can’t rely on my memory anymore. However, I have developed many highly successful ways to compensate, therefore I use them!”
Along with the help in keeping track of any required medications, losing the isolation of living alone, and gaining opportunity to have daily interaction with others, Jeanne’s decision to move into the Oaks for her was simple; it was also her way of giving a gift to her children. “I want to be here to free my children from worry and guilt,” said Jeanne with her contagious smile!
