It’s a photo that speaks volumes without a single word: six women standing side by side at Northminster United Church, brought together by purpose and a deep love for their community. At the centre is Elizabeth Janusz—founder of Meals on Wheels in Peterborough—wearing a soft blue blouse and corsage, flanked by five women who each carried her vision forward as Chair of the Board of Directors: Nancy Parr, Joy Edwards, Heather Christie, Una Golding, and Nancy Phillips.
Taken during the 25th anniversary celebration for Meals on Wheels volunteers, the image is more than a keepsake. It is a portrait of collective leadership—of women who took turns at the helm, each contributing to a legacy of care that spanned decades.
What they brought to their roles—organization, calm leadership, a talent for collaboration, and a deep sense of responsibility—ensured the program remained strong through periods of growth and change. Together, they helped shape a service that was as much about connection as it was about meals, strengthening the network of volunteers, churches, and community partners that formed the heart of Meals on Wheels.
By the time of this photo in 1989, hundreds of thousands of meals had been served. Yet perhaps the greater legacy was the culture these women nurtured—a spirit of cooperation, humility, and steadfast commitment to neighbours in need.
Their work set the table not just for meal delivery, but for a model of volunteerism and compassion that still defines Meals on Wheels today. Sixty years on, that legacy continues—one meal, one visit, one act of kindness at a time.
