Lorraine Monaghan Kopetzki - Rambler Profile

What lights you up?

Turning 60 has been one of the great joys of my life — I feel vibrant, curious, and grateful for my health and I am loving the freedom in semi-retirement to keep exploring who I am.

I love learning for the sheer pleasure of it, and I am hoping to return to university to takes some courses in the coming years. I’m always drawn to movement of any kind but particularly to long hikes in the mountains and to pushing myself just a little further.

Connection matters deeply to me. I want women to feel seen, understood, and welcomed — something I didn’t always feel myself. That’s why Sole Sister Ramblers means so much to me. Here, we all have a seat at the same table. We belong, just as we are.

Tell us about where you live and where you grew up.

I live in Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, nestled between Victoria and Nanaimo in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. I grew up in White Rock, near Vancouver, and had a wonderfully simple, happy childhood there. Back then it was a quiet seaside town with endless places to explore.

During my first marriage, I moved to Salt Spring Island, where we raised our two boys. For many years I commuted to Victoria for work — an hour and a half each way by ferry and bus — and after my divorce, it made sense to move closer to my job. Four years ago, I settled in Mill Bay, and it’s become the perfect place for this chapter of my life.

What qualities have you discovered about yourself in recent years?

I’ve always been sensitive and thoughtful, and while those traits felt heavy at times earlier in my life, I’ve come to see them as real strengths. I’m also proud of the way I can stay diplomatic and gracious in situations that aren’t always easy. And somewhere along the way, I’ve discovered a quiet kind of courage in myself that might not look like courage with a capital “C” to others, but it is there gently pushing me forward.

What are you most excited about?

My life feels full of joy and meaning. I’m excited to travel more and to host Sole Sister Rambler adventures, and I’m also about to become a first-time grandma — a milestone that fills me with deep gratitude.

Even though I “retired” after 36 years with the Canada Border Services Agency, I’ve discovered I’m not very good at being fully retired. I loved my career, but what truly energizes me now is my work leading the Rambler Care team with Sole Sister Ramblers. Being part of building something that helps women feel connected, seen, and supported has given me a renewed sense of purpose in the most meaningful way.

Is there something that you would like your Sole Sisters to know about aging from where you are right now?

For me, aging feels like a privilege — one I don’t take for granted. I finally have the space to take better care of myself in ways I couldn’t when I was commuting long hours and juggling a busy career. I love my daily yoga, my commitment to walking every single day, and the attention I now give to rest and good sleep. I’m not naturally a big sleeper, but I’m always learning and trying new things to support my wellbeing.

What is on your bucket list?

My bucket list includes a road trip across Canada and the United States, visiting all the federal parks. I also dream of spending time anywhere with warm weather and blue tropical water. I also want to do a walking tour of Scotland, England, and Ireland someday!

Who is your biggest role model?

My mom has been my greatest model for aging powerfully. She’s always been curious, engaged, and socially connected — honestly, she has a busier social life than I ever did in my twenties. She stays sharp writing a newsletter for her local Naturalists group and has walked or hiked every day since her early forties.

Watching her has shown me what’s possible: staying interested, staying active, and staying connected.

That’s what I want other Sole Sisters to know — aging isn’t something to fear. It’s something to grow into with intention, curiosity, and a sense of joy about what’s still ahead.

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