For Rob and Ann-Shirley Goodell, life at Terraces on Seventh feels like a perfect fit. Just three months into their residency, the couple has already made their one-bedroom suite a warm and welcoming home. The stunning view of downtown Vancouver is matched by the personal touches inside — from the cherished artwork on the walls to the rhythmic chime of their grandfather clock every fifteen minutes, a familiar sound that makes the space truly theirs.
The Goodells have led full, active lives filled with travel, work and adventure. They’ve called Cincinnati, Vancouver and Whistler home, but their story begins farther afield. Ann-Shirley, originally from Trail, B.C., began her career as a nurse before following her curiosity into ethics and women’s studies. Her work explored the vital role women play in the workplace, taking her across the globe to countries including Poland, Russia and Ukraine. Rob, a proud Canadian born in Rumson, New Jersey, built a career in corporate marketing, working with well-known brands such as MJB Coffee.
Together, they’ve embraced change and exploration — but when it came time to simplify their lives, they approached the search for a retirement community with thoughtful precision.
They had a few precise requirements:
- Close to downtown Vancouver — especially the Orpheum, home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
- A warm and inviting entrance — not cold or impersonal (as was their experience at other retirement communities they toured).
- Great food and flexible dining — with staff who would treat them like adults, whether that meant enjoying a bottle of wine at dinner (with no corkage fee) or eating on their own schedule.
- A vibrant yet calm neighbourhood — West 7th, with its leafy streets and welcoming feel, was ideal.
- Beautiful, functional common spaces — including the elegant piano lounge and cozy, well-appointed library.
- No stairs — an essential consideration after their previous downtown condo.
At Terraces on Seventh, they found all of this and more. The friendly, responsive staff, thoughtful housekeeping services and the proximity to Café de Salade de Fruits for authentic French cuisine just across the street all sealed the deal.
Rob and Ann-Shirley remain active in the community beyond Terraces. They volunteer with Destination Vancouver, helping guide visitors to the city’s top attractions — from the famous Gastown steam clock to hidden gems around the city. Their enthusiasm for Vancouver’s culture, food and history is contagious.
Though still relatively new residents, they say they feel completely at home. “We found a great place to call home at this time of our lives,” Ann-Shirley shares. “When I was asked if I’d be willing to share my experiences living here with a bigger audience, I said yes with no hesitation.”
For Rob and Ann-Shirley, Terraces on Seventh isn’t just a place to live — it’s the right place for this chapter of their lives: vibrant, comfortable and full of opportunities to connect.
To learn more about Terraces on Seventh and to RSVP for their western-themed open house (cowboy hats optional) on Sept. 24 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., visit terracesonseventh.com or call 604.816.6350.
