When I attended Grace Turley's funeral recently I had the opportunity to spend some time with Marianne Turley, Grace's daughter-in-law.

Those who know Marianne know of the genuine, unfettered love she has for her mother-in-law who she describes as, "a warm, bubbly, wonderful woman whose customers just loved her."

During the past year or so, Grace has been living in the Bonar Wing at Travelers' Lodge, a wing designed for patients with dementia. Marianne described the staff there, today's Neighbourhood Heroes, in the same glowing terms she reserves for her mother-in-law.

"It's simply a wonderful community," she told me, "and the staff, which consists of three Licensed Practical Nurses as well as a rotating group of Resident Care Attendants and Housekeepers, is exceptional. And they all work as a team, all of them."

A few stories that Marianne told me will demonstrate why she wanted to nominate these people as Neighbourhood Heroes. I think the one that stood out most for me was about one of the housekeepers who, unfortunately, we weren't able to identify.

"She came into the room with a smile and a greeting," Marianne recalled, "did her work and then as she was leaving, even though Grace was asleep, she gave her a big hug and kiss and said goodbye."

Is that the kind of thing a Neighbourhood Hero would do? You bet it is.

A few months ago, Marianne bought some new clothes and perfume for Grace and the next time she came in the whole staff was excited. She said their faces all lit up as if she had bought these gifts for them. They were genuinely pleased and excited for Grace - More Neighbourhood Hero-like behaviour.

Marianne also was impressed with the patience and respect this staff demonstrates everyday as well as their genuine love of the residents and their job. The residents are always treated as the people they were before they got sick, she told me. Two of her stories will demonstrate that patience, love and respect.

One woman had been carrying two dolls in her arms for much of the day. When it came to dinnertime, instead of simply taking the dolls away so the woman would be able to eat comfortably, one of the staff asked if she could take the babies to the "nursery" while she ate dinner. That's the kind of creative response love, patience and respect will inspire.

Another time Marianne was standing nearby when one of the residents came to the front desk, asked if they had received her reservation and explained that she would be staying just one night. The staff person at the desk remained serious and played right along.

When I went to the lodge to take the photo for this column, the genuinely caring atmosphere Marianne described was obvious. It's been a long time since I met people who so obviously love their job. All of their faces glowed as we talked and that glow was even more obvious when they spoke to the residents.

Given its beautiful garden and many programs for the residents, this is a fine place but it's the staff that really makes the difference, a staff steeped in kindness, patience and love ... Neighbourhood Heroes all.

Regular readers of this column might want to attend our first public, "Finding the Hero Within" workshop next Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm at Unity Church, 2231 McGarrigle Road. The workshop will feature dozens of inspiring stories and, through a series of individual and group exercises, participants will leave with a personal action plan for identifying and empowering the Hidden Heroes in their lives. Donations will be accepted in support of the Hidden Heroes WebQuest for students and other youth. Please reserve at 758-1021.