A Ukulele Forming the Bonds of Community

Sometimes the smallest of acts, or in this case, the smallest of instruments, can make the biggest difference. This is true at Saint Therese – IHM Senior Living in Monroe, Mich., where resident Jack Schwab has turned his lifelong love of music into a joyful community tradition.

Jack’s Journey with Music

Jack grew up on a dairy farm in Deshler, Ohio, in a family where music was always encouraged. His mother, who never had the chance to play an instrument herself, worked tirelessly to ensure her children could. Jack picked up the trumpet as a boy and learned to read music, setting the stage for a lifetime of melodies.

In his early years, Jack considered the priesthood, spending some time in seminary before realizing his true calling was in community work. He went on to spend most of his career in community action for the banking industry, where he specialized in helping people access opportunities for homeownership and lending.

Music, however, was always close at hand. When his first wife passed away in 2010, Jack found solace in a ukulele that had been in his family for years. What started as a way to cope with grief became a source of healing and joy. Later, after traveling to Hawaii with his wife Anne, Jack came home with a renewed passion for the ukulele.

By 2016, after retiring, Jack had founded a ukulele club. The group performed in care centers until the pandemic put gatherings on hold. When he moved into Saint Therese – IHM in 2022, Jack decided it was time to start again.

Building Community Through Song

With the support of the Saint Therese Foundation, which purchased ukuleles and music stands, Jack launched a weekly ukulele group. Every Tuesday morning, residents gather with Jack to learn songs ranging from “Happy Birthday” to nostalgic favorites. Staff members like Cassie Dillon often join in, and Jack encourages everyone to practice a little each day: “It’s simple, and I can teach it,” he says.

One of the group’s most enthusiastic members is Executive Director Keegan Sawyer, who quickly picked up the ukulele and has become an integral part of the ensemble. Together, they now perform as “KJ and the Ukeladies” — with K for Keegan, J for Jack, and the Ukeladies including Jack’s wife Anne Schwab and fellow resident Maryann Sulier. The group is shown below (left to right): Keegan, Jack, Anne and Maryann.

Jack also takes his music beyond the weekly lessons. He plays for residents in memory care and long-term care, sharing classics from Johnny Cash to beloved hymns. His performances turn into sing-alongs, filling rooms with laughter, smiles, and community spirit.

A Summer Farewell in Monroe

Most recently, KJ and the Ukeladies performed at a musical farewell-to-summer bash in the courtyard, hosted by IHM Sister Jannita Complo. On September 17, residents and guests sang along to tunes like You Are My Sunshine, Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World, and Take Me Out to the Ball Game. Sweet summer treats, from corn on the cob to DIY s’mores, made it a festive day of music, memories, and joy. The Sisters posted a wonderful video of this event on Facebook. You can see here.

A God Wink

Reflecting on his journey, Jack says, “I’m having a blast. This wasn’t a lifelong plan — it sort of fell in place. It’s like a wink from God. He’s saying, we still have work for you to do.”

What began as one man’s personal passion has blossomed into a program that brings joy, connection, and hope to an entire community. Jack has shown that it’s never too late to make music—or to let music make a difference.

Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in The Rose magazine, Spring/Summer 2025.