Doreen Growing up in the 1920’s – A life story by Molly McGovern
For Doreen the 1920’s were an unpredictable time. Many families in the Saint John community walked a tightrope between financial struggle and success. Doreen was born on October 4th, 1926 to Viola and Frank Henry Arthurs. While growing up Doreen watched a lot of families struggle. Her mother and father faced their own challenges. Yet, they were fortunate to own “Quality Packing Company”, a local grocery store located at 523 Main Street North. The store ensured that their family never went hungry. As a girl Doreen watched her mother and father work as a team to build their success. They supported one another and weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty! Together, they cured their own meats, and laundered and repaired the store uniforms. The store kept her parents hands full. Doreen is adamant that her mother made sure that her children came first. They never had to lift a finger and were well looked after.
Anyone who knows Doreen today can attest to her suburb baking skills, accompanied by her warm welcoming smile as you enter her kitchen. Amazingly, Doreen says that her baking cannot compare to her mother’s treats. Her mother supplied the store with homemade pies, cookies, bread, cakes, etc. As you can imagine they always sold out. Doreen’s mother taught her how to make her own treats from scratch. More importantly, she taught Doreen that if you work hard you can perfect what you already have with a little hard work. This message is something that Doreen has carried with her throughout her life.
Doreen watched her mother and father work as a team to build their success in the unpredictable era of the 1920’s. This instilled in her an important message of being thankful for what you have and working hard to make the best of things. Doreen says “I have learned to appreciate everything that happens to me! No matter how big or little, I remain thankful knowing that I’ve worked for everything that I have.”
Throughout Doreen’s life she has passed on her kind and understanding nature. Now as Doreen continues her journey, she calls Birch House at Loch Lomond Villa home. According to Doreen when she arrived for her first visit all she could say was “WOW!” Since this initial visit Loch Lomond Villa has truly become home to Doreen, her husband Buddy, and their dog Tzu-Li.
Loch Lomond Villa Foundation
The difference between feeling settled and at home versus being a temporary visitor can be the small things. Once basic needs are met, feeling at ease and comfortable includes connecting with those around you and having interesting and meaningful things to do. For Doreen its being able to bake in the family room kitchen for family, staff and visitors.
That’s where additional financial support for Loch Lomond Villa Foundation can help. As a not-for-profit, registered charitable organization, Loch Lomond Villa Foundation can accept donations and apply the funds to enhance resident’s quality of life through program and capital funding at Loch Lomond Villa.
When you make a gift, you help to continue a tradition of excellence in the care and sharing stories just like Doreen’s of seniors within our community.
Donate today online or call (506) 643-7110.
