News

At Omni Quality Living, we take great pride in celebrating not only the lives of our residents, but also the incredible contributions they have made to their communities, families, and the broader fabric of Canadian society. One such individual is Marie (Locke) Westlake, a resident of Omni’s Pleasant Meadow Manor, whose extraordinary dedication to service continues to inspire all those around her.

Recently, Marie was recognized for an incredible milestone: 70 years of active membership and leadership within the IODE (Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire) Bemersyde Chapter in Campbellford, a volunteer organization dedicated to education, community service, and citizenship across Canada.

A Legacy of Leadership

Marie’s journey with IODE began shortly after she moved to Campbellford in 1954 and married John Murray Locke. In 1955, she joined the Bemersyde Chapter, beginning a decades-long odyssey of service that would touch local, provincial, and national levels of the organization.

Through the years, Marie held a variety of executive roles within her local chapter, always demonstrating her signature grace, warmth, and unwavering dedication. In 1986, she stepped into a wider leadership spotlight when she was elected as a Provincial Executive Councillor, quickly followed by her appointment as a National Councillor for IODE Canada.

From there, Marie’s influence only grew: she went on to serve as Provincial Education Officer, First and Second Vice-President, and ultimately as a highly respected Provincial President from 1993 to 1995. Her contributions extended to the national level as well, where she played a key role as National War Memorial Scholarship Officer, helping to identify and support outstanding PhD candidates for one of IODE’s most prestigious scholarships.

Marie’s commitment and wisdom have left an indelible mark on the organization. Her efforts were recognized with Primary, Provincial, and National Life Memberships – well-deserved honours that reflect the scope of her service and the respect she has earned from her peers.

A Community-Minded Spirit

Marie’s passion for community extends far beyond the bounds of IODE. Over the years, she has volunteered with numerous organizations, offering her time, experience, and compassion wherever they were needed. In 2002, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, a national honour that further reflects her exceptional contributions to Canadian society.

As mentioned above, Marie was recently presented with a special certificate from IODE Canada to commemorate her 70 years of service. The occasion was made even more meaningful by a visit from the current National President, Jane Cushing, who traveled from New Brunswick to thank Marie personally. Local members of the Bemersyde Chapter gathered to offer their gratitude and celebrate the lasting impact she has made through her mentorship, encouragement, and example.

“We are celebrating 125 years this year. They are a fabulous group of ladies that do good work from coast to coast. Our mission statement says it all… ‘Women dedicated to a better Canada.’”
— Marie (Locke) Westlake

Today, Marie enjoys life at Pleasant Meadow Manor, alongside her husband Arnold Westlake, surrounded by the love of her family, friends, and fellow residents. Her remarkable legacy continues to shine through the values she lives every day: service, kindness, and community spirit.

Honouring Our Residents

At Omni Quality Living, we are proud to share stories like Marie’s. Her life of leadership and service is a powerful reminder that the values we hold—integrity, compassion, inclusiveness, curiosity, and resilience—are deeply lived by the people who call our residences home. Marie’s story is not only a celebration of her remarkable journey, but also an invitation to all of us to give back, stay curious, and remain committed to building stronger communities.

Thank you, Marie, for your years of service, your generosity of spirit, and the inspiration you continue to offer every day.