My mother, Janina Metelski, was a strong and resilient immigrant who embraced life’s challenges with grace. She was born in 1920 in Lvov, Poland, and her life was shaped by war, survival, and love. After World War II, she and her sister Helen visited their brother-in-law in a Warsaw hospital, bringing him food daily. In the next bed lay a young, emaciated soldier who had just been liberated from the Buchenwald concentration camp. My mother, moved by his frailty, took it upon herself to nurse him back to health. That young soldier was Jan, and their bond soon grew into love. They married, left war-torn Poland, and moved to Belgium, where they welcomed my brother Stanislas and me. Eventually, they immigrated to Montreal, where our youngest brother, Peter, was born. Together, my parents worked hard to raise us while blending their Polish heritage with Canadian culture.
At 76, my mother was living alone in Montreal when she needed surgery. I insisted she move in with my family in Toronto. While she loved spending time with her granddaughters, she soon longed for a Polish seniors community. The moment we visited Copernicus Lodge, she knew she had found her new home. She loved her little apartment overlooking Lake Ontario and was welcomed with open arms. She said it felt like “coming home” to familiar traditions, the Polish language, and a caring community.
It didn’t take long for my mother to immerse herself in life at Copernicus Lodge. She was soon elected President of the Seniors Association, where she took great pride in organizing social events, preparing reports, and welcoming residents and guests. From Canada Day to Mother’s Day, every occasion was celebrated with joy. She especially loved the Easter parade, proudly wearing a bonnet she had designed herself.
Christmas was the most magical time of all. The annual party brought professional singers, youth choirs, and even Santa. Sister Alphonsa led religious celebrations and encouraged my mother to join the choir—though she was only allowed to “lip sync”!
For 14 years, Copernicus Lodge was more than just a residence for my mother—it was her home, a place where she truly thrived. Even after her passing in 2012, I continue to donate in her memory, hoping others will join me in supporting this special community.
