St. Joe's resident a 'mother figure' to others in care home

Monica O'Neill may live in a long-term care home, but that doesn't mean she's stopped taking care of others.

The St. Joseph's Villa resident was recently presented with the Ontario Long-Term Care Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.

This award, introduced by OLTCA in 1986, “recognizes residents of OLTCA member homes for their noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding contributions to society and / or their long term care home.”

A press release from St. Joseph's Villa said that O'Neill is a “mother figure” in the home's Alzheimer’s neighbourhood. She brings a warm, kind, calming presence to interactions with other residents, especially new ones who often experience difficulties adjusting to changes involved with a move and new home environment.

O'Neill participates in a variety of programs on a regular basis and encourages others to participate. She strongly promotes resident involvement in life enrichment activities and spiritual and religious care services.

She was born in Poland and at the age of 12, moved with her family to Canada, and settled in Copper Cliff.

Despite having to learn a new language, by her high school years, she was well known as a high achievement student.

O'Neill married and had five boys, which she raised as well as achieving her nursing degree. She initially worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital on St. Anne’s Road in Sudbury, then moved to the Sudbury General Hospital, later known as St. Joseph’s Health Centre on Paris St.

She is fondly remembered by her family for her tender care, and excellent cooking, especially her perogies, cabbage rolls and borsch soup.

The family enjoyed time at their cottage in Killarney where she created beautiful needlepoints and sewed clothing for her family.

O'Neill was very involved in the community, the Catholic Church, the school system as a member of the PTA and was always ready to help those less fortunate.