A Silver Lining in South Frontenac?

Kelli McRobert | Aug 09, 2023

Approximately 9 years ago, a happenstance meeting occurred, whereby a fun, friendly, educated, blond was offered to interview with the South Frontenac Community Support Meals on Wheels program. She readily accepted and was excited to accept a role to help continue the great services the SFCSC was offering to local seniors and residents. The time has flown since she first tackled the role of Coordinator of Meal Services, and Joanne Silver, has never looked back. Her pleasant and welcoming smile remembers the names and faces as they enter the Free Methodist Church in Verona. It is a bittersweet occasion, as this is her last Diner’s Club event now that she has announced her retirement from this role. When I spoke with her, she admits, she will ‘miss everyone’ but has decided to step down, (for now), to focus her energy on her family while enjoying an early retirement.

As a resident of Sydenham, Joanne will continue to support local initiatives, and hopes to (maybe) return in the future to continue offering her expertise to the various programs the organization has to offer. SFCSC is still looking for a qualified candidate to fill her shoes and hopes to reach out to any interested residents who may have the skills they are looking for to fill the void. A small farewell luncheon was held in her honour where volunteers could wish her well, and snack on a few gourmet sandwiches and salads provided by Lenny’s Deli, in Sydenham. Once the cake was cut, guests could mingle about and share stories about how they met Joanne, and the abundance of patience and kindness, that will be missed when she leaves.

I too am trying to find that “silver lining” however, she will be missed. It is her smile and her laugh that draw people in. Her welcoming way made you want to stay, to help, and to give 100% during every event. Joanne was never too busy to share a story or a friendly gesture. Joanne could be found, sometimes in her best dress, slugging dishes from tables, spraying down trays, and serving up neatly sliced cake, without hesitation, pomp, nor pageantry. A genuinely ‘kind soul’, and one who cares about friends, family, and community.

Thank you for your exemplary service to our community! You will be missed!

Hugs from all the volunteers who shared a laugh or two with you!