Heartfelt words for the 25th anniversary of Les Résidences du Marché
This month marks the 25th anniversary of Les Résidences du Marché! Opened in 2000, this very first project by Le Groupe Maurice launched a long tradition of residences, all driven by one philosophy: better aging.
To highlight this special anniversary, we spoke with Madame Latour-Lapierre, among the earliest residents to settle here, along with Monsieur Lamoureux and Madame Alarie, who have turned this place into their genuine home. Their testimonies reveal the origins of the residence and the life narratives that have enlivened it for a quarter of a century.
Madame Latour-Lapierre, Monsieur Lamoureux, Madame Alarie, could you tell us a little about yourselves?
Madame Latour-Lapierre: My name is Marie-Rose. I was born in 1924, near Saint-Eustache, in the Laurentians. Yes, your calculations are correct: I am indeed 101 years old! I got married at the age of 29 and had six wonderful children. I worked as a seamstress and hatmaker at the Chez Léonie factory in Montreal between the 1940s and 1960s. When I had my children, I left my job to become a stay-at-home mother. It’s a full-time job too. With all the challenges that come with it, I can tell you that being a mother was harder than being a hatmaker (laughs)! Today, I am the grandmother of nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Monsieur Lamoureux: My name is Lionel. I was born in 1930 in Sainte-Adèle, also in the Laurentians. That makes me 95 years old. I lost my mother when I was just 8 years old. Back then, we were seven children, and some of us were placed in foster families so that my father could make ends meet. I was raised by family friends who ran a bakery, and that’s where I learned the trade. From the age of 18 until nearly 60, I worked as a baker and even became production manager. If you’ve ever eaten Gailuron bread, then you’ve eaten my bread! I got married in 1954 and stayed with my wife until her passing. Since 2021, I have been living with Huguette, who is here with us today. I have two daughters, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren – the oldest being 5. A truly lovely family.
Madame Alarie: My name is Huguette. I was born in 1940 in Montreal, into a family of six children. I also lost one of my parents, my father, at the age of 10, and I was placed in an orphanage, separated from my brothers and sisters. I have five children – all boys! It was important to me to raise them as good citizens, so I studied psychology to be able to contribute to society and set an example for my sons. I believe I accomplished my mission, as they all have good lives today. The last time I counted, I had thirteen grandchildren. Between Lionel and me, we have twenty-three descendants. That’s quite a tribe!
What made you choose Les Résidences du Marché as your home?
Madame Latour-Lapierre: My husband died two years before I came to Le Groupe Maurice. It was 2000, I was alone, and the responsibility of a house had become too much to handle. I eventually heard about a residence opening in Sainte-Thérèse, so I wanted to see it with my own eyes. A friend of mine had already been living there since July. I visited three times before deciding. You see, I didn’t want to make the wrong choice. I finally moved in November, into the last apartment left on the third floor… and I’ve lived here ever since for 25 years!
Monsieur Lamoureux: I had lived in another senior residence in Sainte-Thérèse for many years. I enjoyed it, but I was done with cooking, and unfortunately, the food there wasn’t very good. I didn’t feel like staying anymore. Eventually, I discovered Les Résidences du Marché of Le Groupe Maurice. What struck me was the atmosphere – people were easy to talk to, and I sensed it was different from other residences I had visited. I was with my daughter, saw a small apartment on the second floor that I liked, and that was that, as they say!
Madame Alarie: As for me, I lived in the same house in Terrebonne for 56 years. A bit like Marie-Rose, I felt that I no longer wanted to maintain such a large home, especially in winter. In March 2021, I decided to sell it and let my heart guide me. A social worker suggested I visit Les Résidences du Marché, and the moment I stepped into the apartment, I felt something deep inside me. I thought, “This is home,” and I moved in a few months later!
What are your earliest memories here?
Madame Latour-Lapierre: What really hit me was the kindness I was shown when I arrived. If you knew how good it felt to be welcomed like that. I also remember Mr. Maurice, who was everywhere, busy around the residence. You know, in 2000, the work wasn’t completely finished, and Mr. Maurice made sure everything went smoothly. He even slept on site back then. He helped the leasing team sign contracts, installed toilets and attached door handles! He would come and chat with us and encouraged everyone to talk to one another. It was really important to him that we felt comfortable here.
Madame Alarie: I think my first memory is meeting Lionel. I was coming out of the activity room when he approached me. He said, “You’re new here, right? I’ve never seen you before!” As we talked, we discovered we had a lot in common. It was as if our souls recognized each other. I had just arrived, so Lionel suggested continuing the conversation once I was settled. Two weeks later, I ran into him again. I called out to him and said that whenever he had time, I’d be happy to chat. Lionel replied, “Why not now?” From that moment on, we never parted!
What do you think are the strengths of Les Résidences du Marché?
Madame Latour-Lapierre: I think it’s the atmosphere and the warmth of the people. Here, we are well taken care of. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing, because I find everything I need here: friends, people always ready to help me, quality services… and above all, a true sense of belonging to this place.
Monsieur Lamoureux: Les Résidences du Marché have an amazing way of making you feel at home from the very first moment. I also appreciate the intimate nature of the place. It’s not in a 50-story tower, and the location is ideal: shops are within walking distance, and the neighbourhood is full of charm. Maison Lachaîne, nearby, hosts exhibitions of painting, drawing, sculpture and even poetry. When the city holds concerts or fireworks, they also take place here. Truly, we couldn’t be better located!
Madame Alarie: The staff genuinely makes time for us. When we have something to share, they really listen. Each month, there’s a meeting with the general manager. It’s a chance to review life at the residence, talk about potential improvements and share our suggestions. You can feel that our opinions are valued and that our voice counts.
Have you developed lasting friendships here?
Madame Latour-Lapierre: I already had a friend here when I came, which helped me a lot to feel comfortable. Later, through encounters and over the years, I became close to a small circle of friends with whom I like to exchange and spend time. Our talks are always delightful.
Monsieur Lamoureux and Madame Alarie: Of course! We’ve bonded with many residents and frequently have dinners with our friends. Since we love to talk, every night we gather with our small group around the table. Others often drop by to say hello or chat a bit before leaving the dining room. If we can bring as much joy to others as we feel ourselves, then our goal is fulfilled.
Generally, what do you do during the day? Do you participate in the residence’s organized activities?
Madame Latour-Lapierre: I used to knit and co-host bingo with Lionel, but I’ve eased my pace since then. When the weather is good, I enjoy going out for a walk, simply to breathe some fresh air and take in the residence garden. Most often, I have my friends over: we chat, laugh and share a nice cup of tea in the afternoon. In the evenings, I enjoy playing cards. And I always make sure to attend the birthday dinner – it’s a lovely time of celebration and an opportunity to reunite with everyone around a festive table.
Monsieur Lamoureux: Oh, if you knew! There’s hardly an activity I haven’t taken part in here. Before COVID-19, I was very much engaged in residence life: greeting newcomers, handling administrative tasks, bingo, choir, library – you name it. For the 23rd anniversary of Les Résidences du Marché, I even helped the chef by making bread rolls for the evening. Nothing big… just for 200 people (laughs)! I also used to walk a lot. Since then, I’ve slowed down somewhat. In the mornings, I get up and do paperwork. At lunchtime, I eat with Huguette, and in the afternoons we enjoy doing crosswords together. We also love joining in the residence’s festive activities: celebratory dinners, concerts, birthdays… In short, we make the most of life!
Les Résidences du Marché is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. That’s a major milestone! If you had to sum up the residence in three words, which would you pick?
Madame Latour-Lapierre: Elegant, welcoming and friendly.
Monsieur Lamoureux : Like Marie-Rose, I would say friendly and welcoming – and above all, incomparable!
Madame Alarie: Human, family-oriented and friendly!
What message would you like to share with new residents or future arrivals?
Madame Latour-Lapierre: Welcome! By moving in here, you’ll discover a beautiful residence, with polite, smiling staff who will take the time to get to know you. It’s a place worth visiting.
Monsieur Lamoureux: You can visit other residences if you wish, but know that you won’t find better than here. I’m someone who’s seen it all, and Le Groupe Maurice residences definitely stand out!
What are your hopes for the residence in the years ahead?
Madame Latour-Lapierre, Monsieur Lamoureux and Madame Alarie: On this matter, the three of us agree, and this message is mainly for the staff at les Résidences du Marché: continue being so kind and caring. You possess the skills, but they mean little without the right demeanour. You have it, so keep going, and thank you once more for all that you do!
Madame Latour-Lapierre, Monsieur Lamoureux, Madame Alarie, it’s our turn to thank you for agreeing to share your memories and daily life at Les Résidences du Marché. Because of you, we’ve been able to see what gives this Le Groupe Maurice complex its strength and uniqueness!
Thank you again, and happy anniversary to Les Résidences du Marché!
