Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Margaret describes herself as a big city girl with a country heart. She has been a resident at Caressant Care Courtland Nursing Home for only a few months but the 95 years young steel town gal is enjoying a peaceful life where all her needs are being met.

"I just couldn't manage doing chores at home anymore and my family felt it was best for my health and safety that I move into a nursing home," says Margaret. "There was a high risk of falls at home so I came here in June."

Margaret has three grown children, seven grandchildren and now great grandchildren all the result of a 68-year marriage to the love of her life Donald Smith. Margaret and Donald met in Hamilton during World War II. They met in a local restaurant and it turned out that Margaret's mother knew his mother. They were married in 1941 and moved briefly to St. Catharines. Donald was an electrician, a job he held for 37 years. They eventually settled in Delhi where they raised their family.

As irony would have it, it was a freak accident at home that would claim Donald's life nine years ago.

"He would climb electrical poles during ice storms and be exposed to all sorts of dangerous situations during his career," Margaret recalls. "He tripped and fell down the stairs at our home and suffered a brain injury he never recovered from."

Margaret spends her days now with new found friends and enjoys country living at Courtland.

"They are very good to us here. Everyone is so caring."