Award Winner Annette St Amant
Jarlette Health Services, together with Classic Care Pharmacy is continuing the tradition of the Making a Difference Awards. These awards honour residents of Jarlette Health Services Long Term Care Homes and Retirement Lodges for their noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding contributions to society, their community and/or their home or Lodge. All 12 of our Long Term Care homes, and 5 Retirement Lodges across Ontario participate in one of three ceremonies. We truly believe that the contributions our residents have made in their lifetime really matter to them, their family, friends and communities, which is why this initiative is so important.
Annette St. Amant (nee Moreau) was born in Penetanguishene, Ontario on October 16, 1933 to the proud parents of Beatrice and Ledge Moreau. She graduated from both French elementary and high schools in this small central Ontario community. No one adores this community more than this stylish and well respected retirement home resident.
Mrs. St. Amant is seen by many not only as the 'mother hen' of the Lodge but of Penetanguishene as well. When attending Lodge planned outings to the local mall or stores, the staff and residents are astonished by all those who know Annette by name and keep the van held up while they finish catching up with a local icon. It is also impressive the number of callers who in conversation while inquiring about Bayfield House state "my friend Annette St. Amant says that she loves it there" or "I was chatting with Mrs. St. Amant and she said....". Annette is not just someone who knows the ins and outs of the community but someone whose word and opinions are well respected.
Annette earned this respect through her infinite involvement in the community over her 77 years. After high school she went to work for the Toronto Dominion Bank and relocated to Toronto but never forgot her love of Penetanguishene and decided to move home to work at the local branch. Once she returned, a local man and brother of a best friend was the lucky one to capture her heart. She and Ossie were wed on October 10 1954.
Soon after Annette's family life came full swing raising 6 sons and 1 daughter. During those years, Ossie would frequently invite salesmen over for dinner and Annette would open both her home and her fridge to them. She never quite knew who was coming to dinner but everyone was welcome to her table. Annette saw to it that the St. Amant house was always full of people, fun, laughter and love.
eventually Annette decided to take on a new career and opened a Cafe in the French Centre. Cafe Annette would serve the community with hot lunches that included homemade soup, salads, sandwiches, quiches and Mediterranean pies. Ossie ran the family business, a local landmark known as St-Amant & Sons with a 100+ year history in Penetanguishene.
even though she worked in the bank, ran a cafe and was associated with the family business, Annette's presence was mostly felt as an active member of her community. Mrs. St. Amant was a member of the Daughters of Isabella as well as the Ladies of St-Ann's. For any given funeral celebration held at St-Ann's Catholic Church in Penetanguishene, Mrs. St. Amant was the woman who would be preparing the lunch. She volunteered at St-Ann's school running the breakfast club program for several years as well. She is a card shark and currently engages in a variety of card games such as bridge and euchre at least 3 times a week. She plays with different groups in both her communities at the Lodge and within the town. She was a member of the Midland Golf and Country Club for 20 years and also took on an administrative role with the Penetanguishene Curling Club. As a major supporter of the women's curling league, she herself competed in the Provincial Senior Championship in Ottawa and with an 8 ender placed as a semi-finalist. Her husband also an avid curler started an annual curling bonspiel known as the "Pea Soup" that continues to run today. even though the Pea Soup was Ossie's design, Annette had the privilege of preparing pea soup for all the competitors.
Annette St. Amant is someone who generally cares about others. Her sense of community and caring nature has only grown since moving to Bayfield House Retirement Lodge in June of 2010. Whichever activity Annette decides to partake in for the day, she manages to persuade someone to tag along with her. Whether it is a stroll up the main street, attending a program within the Lodge or starting up a game of rummikub, Annette will manage to engage those around her. She looks after the 'new kid' in the Lodge and takes them under her wing to ensure they have a smooth transition in their new home. Annette also currently belongs to a social group for ladies known as 'Pursuits'. Drawn to her and her positive attitude, the group recently called and asked to have their monthly meeting held in the Lodge's private dining room.
When asked how retirement living has changed or enriched her life, Annette says that naturally you are never alone. She likes that there are enough activities to keep her busy and you do not find yourself watching tv all the time or sitting in your room. She regularly participates in the exercise program and enjoys the equipment in the fitness centre. Mrs. St. Amant takes pleasure in the opportunities the Lodge provides to meet new people and to help others. Annette equally enjoys the chance to make sure that everyone is happy and alright. She reports, "I say hello to everyone, if they don't answer, they will next time."
Her positive attitude is contagious, her fashion sense is impeccable and so is her faith. You would be hard pressed to find her out of style or without her rosary. And she truly means it when she says "See you in church".
Bayfield House Retirement Lodge is located in Penetanguishene Ontario, owned and operated by Jarlette Health Services. Bayfield House Bayfield House Retirement Lodge is nestled in beautiful Penetanguishene across from Georgian Bay. The lodge was named after Lieutenant Henry Bayfield, meticulous hydrographer for the Royal Navy. Focusing on customer service this lifestyle choice will allow residents to maintain their independence while at the same time offer service amenities to allow for the true enjoyment of retirement years.
Check out Bayfield House Retirement Lodge on the web at www.jarlette.com or view our commercial on You or call 705-549-9259 to arrange a tour. |
