#PeopleofPCH is a series that highlights the diverse stories of staff, residents, volunteers, and families across Partners Community Health (PCH).
When Chris Chorlton story, “The song that brings my wife back from the fog of Alzhimer’s” published in the Globe and Mail on June 28, readers were touched by his heartfelt account of love, Alzheimer’s disease and the power of music.
What many readers may not know is that the story began at Wellbrook Place.
More than 55 years ago, Chris met his future wife, Ena, in a Toronto pub. Drawn to her Scottish accent and long blonde hair, he never imagined the chance encounter would lead to a lifetime together, raising two children, welcoming four grandchildren and building decades of cherished memories.
Today, Ena is a resident at Wellbrook Place East, where Chris visits nearly every day.
The inspiration for Chris’s story came during a music program led by Wellbrook Place volunteer Rick. Chris requested Leaving on a Jet Plane – a song that was playing on the radio in 1969 as he drove Ena to the airport before she returned to Scotland shortly after they met.
As the familiar tune filled the room, Ena smiled and mouthed the words. Then Chris and Ena danced together.
For Chris, it was more than a memorable afternoon.
It was a chance to reconnect with the woman he has loved for more than five decades.
“She has always been very supportive,” he says. “A good friend and a lovely wife.”
Before retiring, Ena earned a science degree from the University of Glasgow, worked as a math teacher and later spent 25 years at Trillium Hospital, now Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital, retiring as Manager of Health Records.
Chris still lights up when he talks about her accomplishments and kindness. He describes her as a devoted mother, favourite aunt and someone deeply loved by family and friends.
Since Ena moved to Wellbrook Place in October 2025, Chris has also developed a deep appreciation for the people who care for her, taking the time to get to know her as a person.
“Everybody who works here is very cheerful,” he says. “They’re always smiling and greeting people. Ena’s well cared for here.”
For Chris, knowing Ena is supported by a compassionate team allows him to focus on what matters most – spending meaningful time together.
Chris and Ena’s story reflects Partners Community Health’s (PCH) commitment to delivering high-quality care that supports not only residents’ physical needs, but also their emotional and social well-being. Through meaningful programs and personalized experiences, residents can continue to engage in the people, activities and memories that matter most.
It also reflects July’s Belonging at PCH: Wellness theme. Wellness is about more than health—it is about creating opportunities for connection, joy and engagement for residents, families and staff alike.
Visitors to Wellbrook Hall on Thursday afternoons can often find Rick strumming familiar tunes on his guitar. Among the residents gathered to listen, they may also spot Chris and Ena swaying to songs that have soundtracked their life together. While connection may look different for Chris and Ena today, music continues to bring them together. A familiar melody sparks a memory, inspire a smile and create moments of joy.
When asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, Chris’s answer is simple:
“You’ve got to like each other and love each other.”
After more than 55 years together, that love remains unmistakable. At Wellbrook Place, moments like these show how connection, belonging and high-quality care can come together—one song, one dance and one cherished memory at a time. ,
