My own mother is like that, Octy. I'd say her sister back in their old country could just open her window and hear every word without any need for the telephone.
The best of intentions can change with time. My parents just grew to love the country... With free health (although I was born in Mount Carmel), free education (although I did attend a fee paying preparatory school), warm welcoming natives, wonderful scenery within a short drive, etc... what's not to like, at least from a migrant perspective?