From a very early age, Marlyss knew that she wanted to be a nurse. When she was just a small child, she can remember looking through the Eaton’s catalogue and picking out a nurse’s kit. She told her parents that she did NOT want anything else for Christmas and if she wasn’t going to get her nurses kit then she did not want any presents at all. The kit proved to be quite special because she still has it to this day. She remembers that when she was little her sister did not want to play dolls with her because Marlyss always had her dolls sick so that she could take care of them. This did not interest her sister and told her that playing with sick dolls was no fun!
Marlyss attended St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon for her training. Back then it was a 3-year program with only 2 weeks off in the summer. During training, she had a particularly ‘hard’ head nurse. Marlyss said that she held her students to very high expectations but looking back, she is grateful for this teacher as it pushed her to be the best she could. When Marlyss completed her Registered Nurse training, she, and her new husband Lou, set off to take on the world. Lou and Marlyss moved to Lloydminster in August of 1959. At that time, they were desperate for nurses. Marlyss received a job offer and was told she could start the next day if she pleased. Marlyss started working in medical but in those days, you were rotated through surgery as well as pediatrics. She enjoyed working in all departments as a nurse, but her true passion was in the OR. When an opening came up for a part time OR nurse, she jumped on the opportunity. This fit their schedule at the time because Lou and Marlyss were also raising 3 kids. When her kids were in school full time, Marlyss accepted a full-time position as an OR nurse.
Marlyss had the opportunity to work with several well-known doctors in the Lloydminster area. Dr. Hemstock was one of them. Marlyss speaks highly of Dr. Hemstock and said that he was truly as kind and patient as he appeared to be. His patients loved him and all of them were important to him as he always did his best to go above and beyond for them. Marlyss speaks of a time when Dr. Hemstock required some medical attention of his own. She got called back into the OR because she was a trusted friend when the incident happened. Dr. Hemstock had cut his hand on his lawnmower and was feeling quite foolish and embarrassed about the whole thing. Marlyss chuckled as she told the story because of his insistency of how thoughtless he had been to get his hand cut! Marlyss was there on the day of Dr. Hemstock’s last surgery. She remembers him with tears in his eyes as he was going to miss his job dearly.
Marlyss and her co-workers always found a way to laugh. On one particular incident, a fellow nurse came to her in frustration because one of her patients did not want to drink his juice. This nurse had come to Marlyss for help because she was at her wits end and did not know how to get this individual drink his juice. Marlyss being the helpful person that she is, told her co-worker that she would go in and try. One step into the room and a glance at the “juice” and Marlyss knew why the drink was not going down. This patient could not talk and therefore could not express to the other nurse that it was NOT juice in the glass but instead urine. Thankfully, Marlyss picked up on the situation right away and saved the poor man from drinking his own urine.
Marlyss did most of her nursing in the old hospital in Lloydminster. She remembers moving to the new hospital and her and her co-workers packing up their station wagons with supplies that they did not want to get lost or broken in the move. Talk about dedication to your job!
Marlyss found enjoyment in the operating room because it was always something different and challenged her. She also enjoyed working so closely with the doctors and gaining experience through their expertise. Marlyss and the crew she worked with always went above and beyond to ensure that the doctors had everything they needed to preform a successful surgery. Marlyss holds dear to her heart all the people that she got to work with over the years and the cases that she got to experience. As must nurses, she has several stories of interesting things that took place in the OR. She laughs about some and cries about others. In 1990 Marlyss retired from full time nursing. She truly cherished her job and the people she worked with. Without a doubt, those who were privileged enough to have her as their nurse cherished her too.
“Music is an international language which can provide excellent therapy for the body, soothe the troubled mind, and uplift ones every soul” – Eileen Yaxley.
If you venture down the hallways at Dr. Hemstock & Hearthstone Place, you are likely to pause outside of one room in particular, as you will hear the sweet sound of music. This piano player has played all her life and continues to use music as a way to keep her mind occupied, deal with her troubles, and simply enjoy her time. During our visit, Eileen told me that piano has always been a way for her to express herself.
Eileen started playing piano at the age of 7. Her first teacher taught her for 6 years. Eileen says that this teacher was a perfectionist. Later instructors told her that she could not have asked for a better foundational teacher as her skills were refined at an early age. Her second teacher was a gentleman from a town nearby. Eileen’s parents were committed to her continuing with her lessons, so Eileen had to take a train from their small village out of town to Lloydminster every week. Depending on what time the teacher’s bus got in, Eileen either had her lesson late at night or early the next morning as to make sure she would not miss the train ride home. Eileen said that he was a wonderful teacher. He had a way of making you feel like you could do anything. “Reach for the stars”, he would often tell her. Eileen enjoyed her piano playing and found joy in the notes that she played. Often, her parents would get her to preform for visitors at the house. They would pay Eileen a little money for her performance. Eileen’s passion and talent shone through in her playing. After completing her grade 10 exam, she was awarded a scholarship of $20 for having the highest mark in all of Saskatchewan. This was a lot of money at the time.
In 1951, Eileen became a registered piano teacher for Saskatchewan. After graduation from high school, Eileen obtained her schoolteacher certificate in Saskatoon. Her days were filled with teaching school students during the day and evenings turned to music lessons.
Sharing her love of music was and is important to Eileen. She was a part of the team that helped start the Lloydminster Music Festival. She was also apart of the Registered Piano Teacher Association of Lloydminster. They were the only branch in Canada that had duel membership from both Alberta and Saskatchewan.
In 1963 Eileen branched off from strictly piano and took a course on choral in Banff. She received a scholarship from a professor at the University of Alberta to attend this summer course. From there, Eileen oversaw several choirs including junior, intermediate, and senior levels. She also played for her church for 12 years.
After retiring from school teaching, Eileen’s music lessons increased. She has been honored by several organizations around Lloydminster for her contribution of music in the area. This includes being recognized at the Lloydminster Music Festival on their 25th anniversary year. In 2000 she became an honorary music festival patron.
Eileen talked about how her talents are a God given gift. She feels that she has been blessed with a gift and it is up to her to be able to share that gift with others. She said that her parents sacrificed a lot to ensure that she was able to continue her piano lessons and find all the success in life that she has. Her whole life piano has been a way to make other people happy or help them to appreciate music.
When Dave lost his sight in 2019 at the age of 77, it would have been easy for him to “give up”. After living an active and extremely independent life, he no longer had the luxury of doing so many things that most of us take for granted. However, Dave was not going to let the fact that he did not have that independence deter him from continuing to live a high quality of life.
Dave fell in love with woodworking at the age of 4. He told me that he was enamored with sawdust. He remembers his older brother holding a piece of wood for him so that he could saw it. From that point on, he was hooked. His uncle also played a big part in his woodworking journey. Dave said that his uncle could take a piece of birch and turn it into something beautiful. He taught him how to make things square. He was asked in school to build different things. One year his teacher asked him to build the manger for the Christmas Pageant.
As a teenager and young adult, Dave was always looking for new ways to improve their way of life. One winter he decided to build a plow that he could pull behind him to clear the walkways around his house. When their house got power in 1958, he helped his dad cut a hole in the ceiling for the wiring and build a closet to surround the power box. He helped his brother build new wooden decks for the threshing machine and he was also an important part of fencing when the time came. If there was something that Dave needed, instead of purchasing it, he would build it. When he realized that a bench saw would help make his woodworking easier, he ordered the blade from Eaton’s catalogue and built his own.
Dave and his wife married in 1969 and purchased an old house for $250! It cost another $250 to move it to where he needed. From there, he and his wife fixed up the ‘old house’ and turned it into their family home. They spent 49 wonderful years living there. This house is still standing today, and his great niece now resides there. With the help of his son and wife, Dave spent 3 years building a turned log cabin at their lake!
2019 was a year that Dave could have done without. After a long battle with her health, his wife passed away early in the year and then in April he suddenly lost his sight. He said the hardest part about losing his sight was having to give up his independent life. This included his truck, boat, and his beloved cat. Knowing they needed some extra support, Dave and his daughter decided moving to Dr. Hemstock Residence would be the next step. Only a few weeks after losing his sight, he became a resident here.
Dave’s determination to regain some of his independence is remarkable. He had to learn to live again. Little tricks had to be learned like tying a rope between his bedroom and bathroom so that he could find his way or setting up his phone so that he could use his voice to call those he loved. With the help of some amazing friends at Dr. Hemstock, he was able to learn how to get down to the dining room without the support of a care aid. He slowly but surely regained back some of the freedom that he once had.
For Dave, that was not enough. He needed to find something that gave his purpose back. It started small. He decided he would edge the side of his table. He phoned Windsor Plywood in Lloydminster and got them to cut the pieces he needed. He figured out that from memory, even in the dark, he could still use a hammer and nail. Dave then decided that if he had the right tools, he could create bird houses. He had the idea to stack the wood. He had a friend cut a piece of wood for him that he used as a guide. He has a small ‘shop’ set up in his room and from memory, he has been able to create small bird houses! He has plans to one day sell them and donate funds to CNIB. Dave says he feels as if he has purpose again and he is sure inspiring the rest of us!
Dr. Hemstock Residence was a dream that was given to the late Ray Nelson. It was his desire and goal to build a residence that showed respect and love for the elderly. He wanted those who lived inside the walls to feel a part of society even though they are no longer in their own home. Dr. Hemstock Residence was built in 2001 by Nelson Group. They broke ground in May of 2000 and the building was completed in the fall of 2001. Ray Nelson urged for the residence to be given the name to honor and in the memory of the late Dr. James W. Hemstock. Dr. Hemstock had spent time as a medical officer near the end of World War II. He served in Lloydminster from 1946 until 1985, where he retired. Dr. Hemstock was able to cover most areas of medicine. However, he did specialize some in obstetrics. Dr. James Hemstock passed in 1997. Our Assisted Living Residence stands as a monument to his almost 40 years of selflessness and caring for Lloydminster residents. The dedication of this building also brings honor to his compassion and contribution to the community. How fitting, as the residents is specifically designed to support assisted living with many conveniences. In 2006, the need was recognized for additional suites and Hearthstone Place was added on. This building was designed to support more independent living while still offering the support services needed as we age. The building was completed in the fall of 2006 and the first residents moved in shortly after. In 2011 Nelson Group sold Dr. Hemstock Residence & Hearthstone Place to Verve Senior Living.
In 19 years, there have been many staff and residents come and go from the building. They have welcomed residents from Lloydminster and surrounding area to Dr. Hemstock Residence or Hearthstone Place. They have also seen others from farther away choose to make Dr. Hemstock Residence and Hearthstone Place their home. Dr. Hemstock Residence and Hearthstone Place are more than just an assisted living residence. The residents and staff are a family that work together day in and day out to make the most of life. Residents all hold a special place in the hearts of staff. It is the pleasure of staff to help, not only the residents, but also family members make the transition from moving from their own home to The Dr. Hemstock or Hearthstone place. It is an honor to share in the life of the residents and to be a part of the community. It is a privilege to carry on the legacy that Mr. Nelson felt so passionately about 19 years ago.
When the local fair gets canceled, then the fair gets brought to the residents of Dr. Hemstock and Hearthstone Place! Due to COVID, the Lloydminster fair was canceled. Residents of Dr. Hemstock and Hearthstone look forward all year to this week of entertainment and outings. Disappointment, yet understanding, was felt by all involved. What better way to help residents cheer up than by bringing the fair to them? The day started with a country-western themed parade. Staff members paraded down the hallways of the building dressed up in western wear. Everyone from cowgirls, bull riders, mop riding – housekeeper cowboys, and even a pretty lady could be seen strutting down the halls. With no shortage of music, dancing, laughing, and fun residents enjoyed the show.
The day continued with a fair-style lunch including fries and lemonade. However, the most enjoyable part of the day was the afternoon. Carts full of goodies strolled through the hallways. Residents tried their luck with a rubber duck game, showed off their skills throwing balls at tin cans, and even got to play ring toss. Our traveling fair would not be complete without prizes and treats. Chocolate, cotton candy, popcorn, and peanuts were enjoyed!
Although the residents were disappointed that they were not able to get out and enjoy the local parade and fair this year, their smiles throughout the day proved that this was a close second to them!
Step into a new lifestyle at Dr. James Hemstock & Hearthstone Place, the ideal standard for senior living. Everything is included, from our outstanding amenities and dining options to our schedule of recreational and social events:
Call 780-808-2161 or complete the form below to contact us today!
