Residents First:

Rooted in Community:

The Story of John & Edith Wiens

More than 60 years ago, John and Edith Wiens became involved in the process of creating a home of care for seniors in their community.  Long before The Leamington Mennonite Home (LMH) became a fixture of community life, they participated in the original purchase of the land, which had been the Danforth farm.

John and Edith were becoming aware of the need for a place where their own parents could be cared for and one day where they too could retire within a community where they felt a sense of belonging. Having been involved in construction in the area with his brother, Walter, John knew what would be involved in completing such a large project.  Through the planning phase and the building of the Home, John was a member of the first Board, and Edith volunteered as a member of the first Ladies Auxiliary.

Their awareness of this need became a reality when they both had parents living at LMH.  Later, John and Edith moved into what had grown into a vibrant senior community, first to the townhouses and then into the Retirement Residence.  “To think that I was here to watch the initial building go up and then see how the Home has grown over 60 years, is incredible,” Edith says.

Today, after John’s recent passing, Edith is grateful for the atmosphere LMH provides.  She feels comfortable and well cared for.  She can come and go, enjoy meals, participate in activities, especially painting which she particularly enjoys. Edith also loves getting her hair done at the home in the salon.  “I’m so happy to live here,” she says. “The community takes care of me.”

As LMH marks six decades and looks to build a new Assisted Living Retirement Residence, Edith looks ahead with the same hope and interest she and John had 60 years ago.  She’s eager to see how the Home will keep growing and continuing the work they participated in from the beginning.