Many seniors who immigrate to Canada face unexpected challenges—new languages, career changes, and a search for belonging. Immigrant senior stories often go unheard, but through the power of theatre, they come to life in the most moving way. Fery Mohajer, a former physics teacher from Iran who used to run a midwifery clinic, never imagined she would step onto a stage. Yet, through MOSAIC’s Seniors Musical, “Seniors Take On Things We Never Talk About,” she discovered a new path filled with self-growth, friendships, and purpose.
This is one of many immigrant senior stories that reveal how later years can be a time of transformation and joy.
The following story, told in Fery’s own words, was captured in an interview by Colleen Qiu on February 16, 2025.
My name is Fery, and I came to Canada from Iran in 2018. I am 67 years old now. I have two children and am the last one in my family to move to Canada after submitting four applications over 20 years. In Iran, I was a physics teacher and ran a midwifery clinic, where I provided medical care to many women.
During my first few years in Canada, I tried really hard to look for a job in both teaching and midwifery. However, I either got rejected immediately or only heard back from entry-level positions that would require further training. When the pandemic hit, the situation became even more challenging.
I felt lost.
One time I was staring at the ocean, trying to figure it out in my head – what is preventing me from feeling everything is fine? Back in Iran, I always worked hard and I was very capable and good at what I did. I thought my work was the only thing that earned me validation and respect. Now that I had no success in finding a new job, what should I do with my life?
At that point, I realized it was the scars in my heart that were preventing me from moving forward and starting anew.
I started joining the Tai Chi practices in the park because I wanted to find something to fill my time. That’s when things started shifting. Someone I met there was part of the MOSAIC Seniors Club and invited me to check out their musical practices. At first, I thought, “I have no time to waste. Singing? No way!” After checking it out a few times, I started showing up to the practices every time. One day, Andrea, our coach, asked who wanted to play someone with memory loss and mental health struggles. No one was willing to take that role at first, so I raised my hand. That’s how I got my role as Lucille in the musical.
As I started rehearsing and playing the role, everybody said I was really good at it. People loved my parts and I always made them laugh. Andrea said I was really talented in performing. This is when I realized I could do something so different from what I did in the past and I would still do it so well.
One line from the musical says, “I want to make the last one-third of my life the best of my life.” All my life I focused so much on coming to Canada and trying my best to support my kids. Now I am here – I love Canada and it’s like paradise for me. But I never thought about living life best for myself. I used to think that once we retired, the only thing left for us would just be counting the days till death. When I spent time with others in the musical, who were so full of energy, always living and having fun to their fullest, I decided it was time for me to do the same and say goodbye to my sad and dark past.
Thanks to MOSAIC, I have become a kinder person. I started saying “good morning” to strangers. I no longer judge others and I genuinely respect everybody’s different life experiences. I love people. I came to understand that diversity is truly beautiful. I became involved in other events at MOSAIC and started telling my stories to many others. The other day I met another Iranian lady at the library, and I wanted to invite her to come check out MOSAIC’s events. I also managed to get my brother to join the musical practices. He has been coming for 6 months now. I want more people to know that there are initiatives like the musical that could potentially change their lives for the better.
In the future, I want to continue my learning and empower other seniors. When I am helping others, I am also helping myself. I will continue to be there for every play of the musical.
Outside MOSAIC, I want to travel more and see the world. My son has gifted me a cruise trip and I am excited to visit a few new countries. I am also travelling to Calgary in the summer because I want to see more of Canada. Now that I have so many activities every day, I am also considering buying a car to get to places more quickly. I have been taking Mandarin classes for about 4 months, and I want to encourage my grandson to do the same. I am looking forward to finally understanding what the Tai Chi master in the park is saying!
An Invitation from Fery
“Come to our musical! We not only present to you the realistic struggles of many seniors in the musical, we also show the reason behind them and offer solutions on how to make things better. The seniors don’t just cry about the scars in their lives – they can accomplish so many things that you might not know of! We are a community constantly sharing with and learning from each other, and we have a great leader, Andrea, who deeply cares about each of us. Our show will keep you entertained with songs and dances; some funny acts and some emotional ones too.
For the young people who are thinking of seeing the show—you probably have seniors in your life, whether they are your family members or your neighbours. With this musical, you can learn more about what might be going on under the surface and how they can be supported. After seeing one of our rehearsals, one staff member at the theatre ended up calling his mom immediately after and planning to visit her!”
Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience
If you love immigrant senior stories that challenge stereotypes and celebrate resilience, don’t miss this inspiring musical! MOSAIC’s Seniors Musical, “Seniors Take On Things We Never Talk About”, will be performed on March 31, April 1, and April 2 at Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam. Be part of a transformative evening as immigrant seniors take the stage to share their stories through humor, music, and heartfelt performances.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a performance that promises to be both entertaining and enlightening. Get your tickets today.
