Extendicare-St Paul - St. Paul

Extendicare St. Paul was honoured to host the 100th birthday party for Ms. L. Surrounded by her friends and family Ms. L celebrated her 100th birthday on July 19th. She was born with a fighting spirit. Her daughter Adeline described the birth of Ms. L to those gathered. When Ms. L's mother went into labour, she ventured out to get help from a nearby cousin. The cousin told Ms. L's mother to go back home and wait. However, on her way back home, Ms. L's mother gave birth in a field. Her mother wrapped her baby, Ms. L, in her skirt and walked another two miles for help. Ms. L was the first born of 10 children and lived in the Myrnam and St. Paul area her entire life.

Ms L married Mr. M at the age of 20 and they had one daughter Adeline. In 1964, she married Mr. L and they moved to St. Paul.

Ms. L is particular about her shoes and that probably comes from her many years working as a shoe clerk. First, at the People’s Store then at the St. Paul Co-op in the shoe department.

In her address at the party, Adeline recalled how Ms. L is well-travelled; she enjoyed gardening, was a whiz at crib and in later years took up fishing with her brother, Nick.

Ms. L moved to Extendicare in January 2007 where her quiet manner has endeared her to other residents in the facility. She still maintains a good spirit and a fine mind, Adeline says. She continues to enjoy visits from her family; including weekly visits from her brother and his wife. Her daughter and son-in-law make a special trip from BC two or three time a year to visit.

When asked by the Journal reporter how she felt about turning 100, Ms. L was short on words saying simply “It’s good”.