If you’ve ever found yourself doing a double take while walking through downtown Sarnia or past a local pub—because a crowd of women in bright, flowing caftans, red wigs, chunky costume jewellery, and infectious smiles came sauntering by—you may have just stumbled upon a local phenomenon known as Mrs. Roper’s Romp. And behind the colourful […]
If you’ve ever found yourself doing a double take while walking through downtown Sarnia or past a local pub—because a crowd of women in bright, flowing caftans, red wigs, chunky costume jewellery, and infectious smiles came sauntering by—you may have just stumbled upon a local phenomenon known as Mrs. Roper’s Romp.
And behind the colourful fun, the laughter, and the community spirit is Jan Moran.
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Jan’s journey to becoming one of Sarnia’s most joyful community organizers is rooted in family, determination, and a deep love for helping others. When Jan was just a toddler, her father left the Navy, and the family—including Jan and her two brothers—moved to Petrolia after her parents bought a farm in the area. Her dad also began a long career with Imperial Oil as an engineer, laying the foundation for a stable, hardworking family life.
“I think I was about two or three when we came here,” Jan recalls. “I’ve been a Sarnia-Lambton girl ever since.”
Jan attended Lambton Centennial and Errol Road Schools before going on to LCCVI for high school. Later, she graduated from Lambton College’s Executive Administration program—a path that would lead to a career that spanned 35 years with the Lambton Kent District School Board.
The story of how she landed her first job there sounds almost like something out of a sitcom—but it happened exactly the way she tells it. “I had heard there was a maternity leave position coming up at the school board,” Jan explains. “So, I went in, got an application, and as I was filling it out, one of the superintendents happened to walk by. He asked what I was applying for, and I told him. Then he said, ‘Come with me.’” She followed him down the hallway, unsure of what was happening. “He looked at me and said, ‘Are you any good?’ I looked him straight in the eye and said, ‘I am damn good.’ He just smiled and said, ‘You’re hired.’ That’s how it all started.”
Jan would go on to work in several locations over the years, including the Adult Learning Centre, Bosanquet Central, Lakeroad, Cathcart, and eventually King George, where she retired. Her time with the board was marked by creativity, energy, and a passion for student engagement.
“I absolutely loved the job,” she says. “We used to have theme days at school—I’d always dress up with the kids. We’d have an annual fundraiser with a theme, and we even had a huge event one year where the band See Spot Run performed with Chris Hadfield. It was a huge success.”
So, when retirement came, Jan knew she couldn’t sit still for long.
She’d noticed posts online about Mrs. Roper’s Romp—a nationwide trend where groups of women dress up as Helen Roper, the beloved, flamboyant landlady from the 1970s sitcom Three’s Company. The character, played by Audra Lindley, was known for her loud caftans, red curls, chunky accessories, and liberated sense of humour.
“I thought, who wouldn’t want to dress in baggy clothes?” Jan laughs. “You’re comfortable, you’re colourful, and you’re surrounded by fun, kind people. It just looked like so much fun.”
Inspired, she started the Mrs. Roper’s Romp Sarnia/Lambton Chapter, and it quickly blossomed into a vibrant, welcoming group that mixes fun with philanthropy. From pub crawls in full costume to drop-off events for donations, the Romp has become a meaningful part of the local charity scene.
Most of their fundraising efforts benefit the Women’s Interval Home—a cause close to Jan’s heart.
“In March, we held a donation drop-off event,” she says. “We asked people to bring physical and monetary donations, and the turnout was amazing. We filled the steps of the Interval Home with items they needed.”
The group hasn’t slowed down. They’ve organized charity barbecues, volunteered at events, and even held a car wash fundraiser hosted by the Ex-Servicemen's Club with live music and a grill serving up burgers and hot dogs.
Jan is determined to keep the focus on the Women’s Interval Home.
For Jan, helping women who are starting over later in life resonates deeply. It reminds her of the strength and resilience that often go unseen and uncelebrated.
“I wanted to do something productive in my retirement,” Jan says. “I spent my life helping students and their families. Now, I get to help the community in a different way. And I love showing people—especially kids—that giving back can be fun.”
The Women’s Interval Home is always in need of donated items, and you can visit their website and their Facebook page for more information visit Womens Interval Home.
The Mrs. Roper’s Romp Sarnia/Lambton Chapter isn’t just about wigs and laughs—it’s a movement. A way for women to express themselves, support one another, and lift their community with generosity and joy.
If you’d like to learn more, Jan encourages everyone to check out their Facebook page. Upcoming events are posted there regularly, and new members are always welcome.
“We’re a very inclusive group,” Jan says. “Everyone is accepted — we’d love to have you join us.”
It’s not every day you find someone who brings as much colour to the world as Jan Moran does—both literally and figuratively. But if you ever see a red wig bobbing in the crowd, or hear laughter rolling down the street during a Romp, know that somewhere nearby, Jan’s likely leading the parade—smiling wide, helping others, and proving that even in retirement, life can be full of bold choices and brilliant fun.
"Humans of Sarnia" founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook.
