Mrs. Janie

A Life Rooted in Texas and Family

Mrs. Janie Tope-Dawes, affectionately known as “Mrs. Janie,” is a 93-year-old, proud native Texan.

She lived a rich life as a professional secretary, poet, and model before retiring at 50 to become a full-time homemaker.

“I’m born and raised here, married here, had babies here, divorced here, remarried here — the whole nine yards,” Mrs. Janie says in her warm, gracious Texas drawl.

Mrs. Janie, who has five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, has experienced a lot of joy in her life. Yet, in recent years, the loss of her husband and compounding health challenges left her feeling disconnected from her community and unable to maintain her independence.

Overcoming Health Challenges with Support

In 2011, following her husband’s death, Mrs. Janie suffered a stroke that required the intervention of a nurse and physical therapist.

“It set me back for quite a while,” Mrs. Janie remembers. “I wasn’t able to do anything.”

Mrs. Janie was limited by her diminished mobility, could barely cook, and was surviving on meals provided by her neighbors’ generosity. Living alone as a widow in her large suburban home, her caregivers recognized that something was missing from her recovery plan that went beyond what they could offer.

They recommended she try Meals on Wheels, knowing that meals packed with nutrients could improve her energy, boost her immune system, help heal her aching body and mind, and offer essential connection.

The decision was life-changing.

“For a while, I was having a lot of trouble, physically and mentally; I feel like since I’ve been with [Meals on Wheels San Antonio], I’ve come out of it,” Mrs. Janie says, while acknowledging that she still navigates a variety of health issues, including vertigo and dizziness, headaches and kidney failure, that requires close monitoring of her salt intake.

An avid walker, she’s also no longer able to take her long strolls, which helped maintain her health.

Senior Independence with Meals on Wheels

The nutritious meals she receives five days a week are low in sodium, heart-healthy and diabetes-friendly. They empower her to make healthier choices.

“If I didn’t have Meals on Wheels, I probably would eat the wrong stuff, I wouldn’t eat as much, and I might skip a meal,” Mrs. Janie admits. “It has helped me get regulated, get my system going to where it knows when to get hungry. It’s very nourishing.”

Mrs. Janie enjoys the variety of nutritious meals, especially the seafood, Mexican and Italian options, smoked brisket, a cuisine that’s king in the Lone Star State and special extras like puddings and fruit cups.

And it’s the small touches, like the adorable Easter meal menus handmade by kids, that help Mrs. Janie feel a deeper connection to her community.

“They make you feel like you’re more than just a customer, you’re a friend,” Mrs. Janie says.

Mrs. Janie, who has a natural ability to connect with others on an intimate level, has left an enduring impact on the lives of volunteers and built lasting relationships—like the one with Claire, whom she helped put on the path to marriage with her husband; Paul, who often brings her a chocolate milk on the side; Joe, who enjoys talking about family; Sandra, whom she’s bonded with over fashion; and the summertime visits from high school teens.

“I’m very blessed to have Meals on Wheels,” Mrs. Janie says. I’m very blessed for all the people it takes to make Meals on Wheels [possible]. It comes from so many people, from all directions, and all [walks] of life.