Picture moving into a senior living community and finding not just a home, but a chance to recreate your old neighborhood with lifelong friends and family. That’s exactly what happened at Stamford Estates in Niagara Falls, ON, where a group of Italian residents turned a new chapter into a celebration of heritage and community.
Part of Atria Retirement Canada, Stamford Estates is a senior living community where Italian heritage is recognized and celebrated. It’s common to hear Italian love songs floating through the air and to see neighbors laughing over a bocce ball game. But the community’s appeal goes far beyond shared heritage – it’s a place where everyone feels welcome, no matter their background.
Grace and Steve Spagnoletti experienced that firsthand when they moved in. While searching for senior living, they found something extraordinary – a vibrant, welcoming community where connections blossomed. Grace was so inspired that she encouraged five more family members and friends to join her, creating a close-knit group that feels just like their old neighborhood.
“It was a snowball effect,” explains Sean McAuley, General Manager of Stamford Estates. With Grace leading the way, the community became a place to celebrate life, heritage and connection.
Grace remains active in helping build the community. She’s the first to join events, whether it’s bocce, live entertainment or simply enjoying a meal with her family-turned-neighbors. As McAuley says, “She makes everyone around her happy.”
One way that happiness fills the community is when Nino, a 97-year-old friend of Grace’s cousin, serenades his fellow residents. Known as “the singing barber” before retiring, Nino is still sharing his gift, bringing everyone together in celebration and joy. “You can always hear his voice,” McAuley shares.
Grace continues to stay connected with her old neighborhood friends, often encouraging them to explore Stamford Estates when considering senior living. She takes pride in helping others begin their journey to find a new home, sharing the sense of connection she has found in her community. With her family by her side, Grace welcomes every new resident like an old friend, inviting them to join her table and weaving them into the fabric of the community.
For Grace and those she’s guided to Stamford Estates, it’s not just a place to live – it’s a place to belong. It’s where cherished bonds are rekindled, new stories take root, and the warmth of home is always felt. Every corner holds the promise of connection, and every day brings the joy of shared experiences. Life at Stamford Estates isn’t just about where you live – it’s about how you live, surrounded by those who make every day special.