Lois Adams is a people person. When I met her at Twin Lakes Village Retirement Home, her smile and friendly demeanour made her love for people obvious.
Sitting in one of the common areas, Lois was busy knitting. She explained that she was knitting for the organization 100 Scarves, which collects and distributes knitted scarves and hats made by volunteers for people in need, cancer patients, and premature infants.
Adams is originally from Simcoe, Ontario, and met her husband in high school. “He was my one and only,” she shared with a smile. They moved to Sarnia in 1983 when her husband found work with Mueller Brass.
When Mueller Brass relocated to Milton, Ont., in the late 80s, the Adams family chose not to move. They didn’t want to uproot their two children from the home and community they had grown up in.
Adams has fond memories of raising her family in Sarnia. She told me about their “little house” in the Vidal and Confederation neighbourhood. “It was a neighbourhood with a good sense of community where people helped one another,” she recalled. Her children have grown, and now she’s the proud grandmother of four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
These days, Adams considers Twin Lakes Village Retirement Home her home. She’s lived there for eight years and felt welcome and comfortable from the beginning.
One of the residents welcomed her on her first day, and she never forgot how good it made her feel. Now, Adams makes a point to welcome each new resident, knowing how difficult a move can be. “I remember how comforting it was when I was welcomed on my first day, and I want others to feel that way too,” she said.
Adams keeps herself occupied with her many interests, including knitting, colouring with gel pens, and of course, bingo. “I love bingo!” she said with a laugh.
She spends her days in the common areas participating in the available activities, and returns to her room in the evening. “Communication with other residents is important. It makes that human connection,” she said.
One of her passions is watching NASCAR racing. She tries to never miss a televised race. As a child, her father took her to car and motorcycle races at Harewood Acres in Jarvis, Ont., a premier road racing facility in the mid-1950s that eventually closed. She has many fond memories of visiting the track as a child.
Her positive attitude is palpable and helps her navigate challenges, including health issues. “Life hasn’t always been easy, but you’ve got to be accepting of your situation. You have to enjoy your life because you never know how it ends,” she explained. She feels fortunate to have a strong support system in her family, with her daughter Carolyn taking her to appointments and visiting her regularly.
As I left Twin Lakes Village that day, I couldn't help but feel inspired by Lois Adams. Her story is a reminder of the strength found in community and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.
Whether she's knitting for a good cause, welcoming new residents, or cheering on her favourite NASCAR drivers, Lois is an example of the spirit of resilience and kindness.
This story was made possible by our Community Leaders Program partner.
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