Mabel Wingrove was a long-time, active member of the Guelph community and a nurse who cared for others throughout her life-long career. But her compassion extended beyond her lifetime. Mabel passed away in 2016 and had named St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation Guelph as a beneficiary of her life insurance policy. Now, her generosity will help hundreds of people who rely on the services offered at St. Joseph’s.

For one man in particular, Mabel’s compassion has made a tremendous difference despite some of the very difficult circumstances he faces.

John began showing signs of dementia when he was only 47 and was diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) just before his 50th birthday. Today, John is 55 years old and very active in the Young Onset Program at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. He attends the program weekly to engage in supportive conversation with peers and staff as well as participate in meaningful activities and events. In addition, John takes on a volunteer role in support of other programs within the department and recently participated in a Young Onset Panel event shared with the larger community.

“Mabel’s gift is stimulating minds and enabling patients to join in physical activities.”

John, along with other program participants and St. Joseph’s staff, enjoys social activities and cooking meals as part of the Young Onset Program which offers physical, intellectual and social stimulation to adults diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65

“We were honoured to learn Mabel thought to include St. Joseph’s Foundation in her estate plans,” said Jennifer Hall, Vice President of Development at St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation. “In speaking with Mabel’s loved ones, we are confident she would be proud of the ways her support is helping so many to have the best possible quality of life.”

Engaging in both physical and cognitive exercises is vital, especially for those who are diagnosed with dementia at a young age when the disease is often aggressive. Mabel’s gift is stimulating minds and enabling patients to join in physical activities. Thanks to her, St. Joseph’s Young Onset Program now has new tools and equipment for men and women like John to help them retain more of their independence, share their lived experiences with others, and enjoy an overall better quality of life.

“My Aunt appreciated the quality of care and comfort of St. Joseph’s rehabilitation facility when she stayed there after a hip fracture,” recalled Mabel’s nephew, Paul Davis. “She was a caring and generous individual who gave her energy, time and money to support important community charities. She believed people should help others in need to the best of their ability, and that local, accessible healthcare was very important to the community.”

Mabel’s gift to St. Joe’s is an important part of her legacy. By providing John with tools to help him enjoy continued good health, it has also empowered him with the ability to help others. And that means both Mabel and John are leaving a legacy of caring for generations to come.