At Berwick Retirement Communities, no two stories are the same – but many begin the same way: with a simple hello. For two Island couples, what started as casual conversation over coffee or dinner blossomed into something deeper, proving that connection and companionship don’t come with an expiry date.
At Berwick House in Gordon Head, one resident remembers spotting her future partner in the lounge – alone, buried in a book, and 'with a head of gorgeous hair.' She and her friend, known for their quick wit and lively presence, invited him to join their dinner table. He accepted immediately and the trio quickly developed a playful rapport.
“We weren’t looking for anything romantic – just a good laugh,” she says. “But this man was sharp, funny, kind… and under 80!”
Conversation turned into companionship, and one-on-one invitations followed. She turned down his first idea – a museum exhibit – having already read extensively on the subject. But when he suggested the Saanich Fair, she said yes. That Labour Day weekend outing in 2022 became their first official date.
They’ve been living together in a cozy one-bedroom suite at Berwick House ever since. “We didn’t have a wedding,” she says, “but we’re as married as anyone. What keeps us together is laughter, we’re constantly cracking each other up.”
At Berwick Royal Oak, another romance unfolded, beginning over coffee in the café. One morning, new resident Henry was invited to join a table of ladies. Sitting beside him was Lorraine – a woman with a warm smile and a shared story. Both had recently lost their spouses after 60-year marriages. Both had chosen Berwick for the same reasons: community, ease and a fresh chapter without the weight of an empty house.
They connected over children, faith backgrounds and a shared appreciation for humour. He remembers seeing her photo posted before she moved in – “She intrigued me right away and now here she was, beside me.”
The next day, he joined her for lunch. 'May I sit with you ladies?' he asked. Lorraine, without missing a beat, replied, 'NO!' – then burst into laughter. “Sit down, sit down – I’m just kidding!”
Their friendship grew naturally, through daily walks in the expansive green space behind the community. From there, they became inseparable. Cruises followed. Laughter was constant. And eventually, it was time to share the news with their families.
“We wanted our children’s support. Without it, it wouldn’t feel right. Thankfully, they were happy for us – and the Berwick community has been just as supportive.”
Unlike their Gordon Head counterparts, this couple has chosen to maintain separate suites, valuing a little space while enjoying life side by side. “We see each other every day. It’s the best of both worlds.”
His advice for others? “Go slow. Take your time. Be open, but protect your heart. It’s a big adjustment – but it can lead to something truly meaningful.”
“Late-in-life love stories aren’t uncommon at our Berwick communities,” says Kathy McAree, community relations manager at Berwick Royal Oak. “In fact, a couple at Berwick on the Lake in Nanaimo recently tied the knot, with the serene waters of Long Lake setting the scene for their vows. It’s a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to fall in love or find that special someone.”
Learn more about Berwick Retirement Communities at berwickretirement.com. To book a tour of Berwick House in Gordon Head, contact Linda MacDonald at 250-853-5492. To tour Berwick Royal Oak, contact Kathy McAree at 250-419-4012.