07/18/2025
After the death of his wife, John found himself alone in a home filled with memories and a kitchen he hardly knew how to navigate. Cooking had always been her domain, and now it felt like an unfamiliar world. Grieving and adjusting to life on his own, John joined Connected Through Cooking, a monthly group at St. Joseph’s Hospice that helps bereaved individuals and caregivers build confidence in the kitchen while connecting with others walking a similar path.
Held in our cozy Bistro, the program offers participants the chance to learn practical cooking skills and share a meal together, all within a supportive and understanding environment. When John attended, the group prepared an Italian pasta dish. As they sat down to enjoy the meal, he shared a touching story: since his wife’s passing, his kind Italian neighbour had been bringing him home-cooked meals, and he wanted to return the favour. A few weeks later, when asked if he had followed through, John smiled and said, “Yes—and she said it was fantastic!”
For John, Connected Through Cooking offered more than a meal. It gave him the tools to care for himself, a sense of connection in a time of isolation, and a meaningful way to give back. “I’m so thankful to Hospice for offering such great programs and support,” he said.
Programs like these reflect the heart of hospice care, meeting people where they are, in moments of deep change, and helping them find their way forward with warmth, dignity, and community.
