For over 7 decades, Montreal’s Mount Royals’ man-made lake has been enjoyed by generations of families. Its architect, Frederick Todd, was a modest man of traditional ideals. Believing that one’s physical and mental health could be restored in the presence of green space and open sky were but gifts of that vision.
Born in Tipperary, Ireland, James Hogan served in Britain’s RAF during Burma’s brutal jungle war. Like many, James rarely spoke of his years in the service but his love of travel led to a job working on an ocean liner that allowed him to sail around the world 23 times.
In time, James could speak 5 languages and had a good knowledge of many cultures. Once on a stop-over in Tokyo, he took a tour of the Nikon factory and met a young employee named Keiko Tagami. James was drawn to her immediately. She liked his gentleness and quick wit. The two exchanged contact information and began writing letters to one-another over a four year period.
Following a trip to Expo ’67, James proposed to Keiko and suggested they move to Montreal. Retiring from ocean travel, James was hired as a Sommelier at the now defunct Altitude 737 and later the Ritz Carleton Hotel in downtown Montreal, where he brought a lifetime’s experience to his craft.
Raising three children in a new country and working full-time as a travel agent, Keiko faced many challenges. There were times she felt incapable of saying no, despite the many responsibilities she already carried.
From their birth, Keiko taught her children to work hard: never to take advantage of people and always give more than they took. Finding the good in another despite circumstance or treatment has been a legacy bound in empathy.
A very special time found Keiko taking her young family to Beaver Lake atop Mount Royal with its clover leaf patterned pond and trees reflecting the water. With homemade sushi rolls in hand, the afternoon sunshine whispered through the trees. Rolled out on blankets, a girls’ simple memory of family and the joy of watching others celebrate togetherness, was the start of everything.
In her 20s, Finola Hogan travelled to Israel to work at a flower farm. With her parents’ blessing, she trusted her intuition and worked through Tel Aviv and the United Kingdom before settling down for a few years in Paris. Familial themes of people eating together, the busy markets, nature trails and architectural structures were explored and treasured. A 1st generation Canadian spread her wings.
In her 30s, Finola fell into the Aviation industry which led to a rewarding career in aviation and yacht marketing. She has not looked back.
With an adventurous heart, Finola moved with her son to Alexandria, Ontario in 2019. Following the Covid pandemic, she created a charity called The SunShiners Social Club in hopes of filling an existing gap when her son graduated high school. https://www.facebook.com/TheSunshiners SocialClub
She was soon joined by a group of wonderful mothers and caregivers who have continued to support and grow the charity with her. People like Edna Sinclair of Muddy Toes Organics, who for the past year, participates and helps with the markets and Nancy Green who chairs the board and who has been with Finola since the start.
As many know, social opportunities are greatly reduced once individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities turn 21. Club activities that promote community and happy spirits include yoga, crafts, bingo, bowling, game nights or animal therapy. All events are free.
With each program generally supporting 10 to 15 participants, there is room for more. Those who cannot participate independently attend with a support worker or family caregiver. While most expenses are out of pocket, what would Christmas be without a small gift bag packed with treats for everyone?
Serving the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry area, Finola applies to both Glengarry and South Stormont townships for grants but it’s the mother science that keeps things hopping.
Through tight deadlines and last minute reminders, this warrior driven essay of a young mother as seen through the eyes of her smiling child, reminds us all of our worth.
Although Finola’s dad has passed away, she collects her mom from Montreal every other weekend for a few days enjoying Japanese curry, lighthearted conversation and relaxation. When asked, Keiko is very proud of what her daughter has accomplished. Appreciating every moment: how lucky is that?
Lisa Gray – Story for April 2026 Copyright © December 2025
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