Woody Heller (left) and Jeannie Wong (right) have been living at Kensington Gardens since 2016.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love is in the air at Kensington Health, and lovebirds Woody and Jeannie — both residents at Kensington Gardens — share the story of their 50 years of love and life together. This Valentine’s Day, Woody and Jeannie are going out for a dinner — an activity they have enjoyed since meeting each other 50 years ago. “We share a love for food. We will eat anything exotic,” said Woody. “We both love Chinese, Japanese and Italian cuisine.”

Woody and Jeannie share a love for food, but their favourite hobby is simple: just enjoying each other’s company.

The beginning of something special

It was a warm day in Hawaii in 1970 when Woody, enjoying his trip and the scenery, went for a walk while eating a hot dog. A high-end clothing store caught Woody’s eye, and he entered the store taking interest in a lavish jacket.

“I almost kicked Woody out of my store because he was eating a hot dog and wasn’t allowed to,” said Jeannie, whose family owned the store. “But after talking to him, I started to really like him. I showed him a better and cheaper jacket that I thought would look really nice on him.” 

Woody bought the jacket that Jeannie suggested, and the pair were inseparable for the rest of his time in Hawaii. When he returned home to California, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.  

“It was love at first sight. I would make any excuse possible to go back to Hawaii just to see Jeannie and walk on the beach with her.” He was amazed by how nice, polite and honest Jeannie was, and how well they worked together.

Similarly, Jeannie knew early that the couple was meant to be together for the rest of their lives. She was excited to start her own adventure and move to be with Woody. Jeannie was sure that no matter what life would bring, she would be happy as long as she was with him.

Jeannie moved to California to be with Woody. The couple got married in 1977.

The couple moved to California and then got married in 1977. They later moved to Toronto, where they were well known in the Harbourfront community for more than 25 years before moving to Kensington Gardens – together – in 2016.

For Valentine’s Day, Woody and Jeannie have a message they would like to share with each other:

Jeannie: You were never Woody to me, but my honey bunny. I will always love you from the bottom of my heart.

Woody: I would do anything for you. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I hit the lottery meeting you.