At 98 years old, Nora embodies a spirit of quiet resilience and independence in her Montreal apartment. As she approaches her 99th birthday next month, she continues to manage her daily life on her own terms, cooking, cleaning, and doing her own laundry. "I'm all alone," she states matter-of-factly. "I do everything myself."
A Lifetime of Nurturing Montreal's Children
Nora's story of caregiving stretches back decades. After moving to Montreal from the Gaspé region in 1942—purchasing a train ticket for $14 to make the journey alone—she built a life in the city. She and her husband, a taxi driver, raised their own family of four children, two daughters and two sons, often bringing them to community events in the Sud-Ouest borough.
Beyond her own family, Nora dedicated an astonishing 48 years to serving as a foster parent. For over four decades, she specialized in caring for newborns, providing a stable and loving environment until they were placed for adoption at around six months old. "I had 48 years looking after foster children," she recalls. "Now I live alone."
Finding Joy in Solitude and Family Ties
Despite living by herself, Nora finds pleasure in simple hobbies. She enjoys baking, with fruitcake being a particular specialty. Music also brings her joy; she plays the harmonica, an instrument her brother brought her from Germany.
Her life has been marked by profound loss. Her husband passed away from cancer, and both of her sons are deceased. Her two daughters visit when possible, but they do not live in Quebec. Nora also mentions a foster son, who is now ill and living in a care facility. Her granddaughter ensures she can visit him every two weeks and also takes her shopping regularly. The two will spend the upcoming Christmas holiday together.
Adapting to Challenges with Fortitude
Nora has lived in her current apartment for about 20 years, having moved there after her previous home in Verdun was sold. While she likes her area, she doesn't get out as much as she once did. Mobility is an issue due to trouble with her leg, and five months ago she lost vision in one eye. Her pragmatic outlook shines through when she addresses these challenges: "I'm just going to live with it, that's all," she says, noting she can otherwise still see quite well.
The support from the Gazette Christmas Fund arrives as a welcome assistance. Nora hasn't decided exactly how she will use the financial help, but she acknowledges it will go a long way during the holiday season. Her story is representative of the many individuals the Fund aims to support each year.
How to Help: Donations to the Gazette Christmas Fund can be made online at christmasfund.com. The fund cannot accept non-monetary contributions due to resource limitations and privacy restrictions.
