Shelburne Long Term Care celebrates 101st birthday of resident

July 11, 2024 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

Shelburne Long Term Care Home has marked a milestone birthday for another one of its residents.

Family, friends and neighbours gathered at Shelburne Long Term Care Home on Tuesday (July 9) to celebrate the 101st birthday of one of their residents, Eileen Hanna.

“I can’t believe it, it’s a bit of a mystery,” said Eileen about celebrating the milestone birthday. “Everyone has been so nice and lovely.”

Born on July 9, 1923 in the city of Lisburn in Northern Ireland, Eileen was the second oldest of eight children and the eldest daughter in the Hanna family. Her family, she recalls, were not rich but they were the loveliest of people.

In 1938, at the age of 15, Eileen left school and began working in a factory where she worked on clothing for soldiers in the Second World War.

“I remember going to work while the war was on, doing up the men’s shirts, sewing on buttons and sewing the colours on,” she said.

It was after the war when she met her would-be husband of 44 years – Norman. In 1950, Norman sent a letter to her asking her to move to Canada and marry him. Like many women during the post-war era, Eileen replied with a “yes” and five short days later she and Norman married.

Eileen and Norman went on to settle down in Toronto and have two daughters, Norma McLean and Pat Hanna. The couple lived in the Toronto area for the entirety of their 44-year marriage, until Norman’s passing in 1994.

Among the family members celebrating Eileen’s 101 birthday party was her daughter, Pat and great grandson, Oliver.

“I’m just amazed. She doesn’t look 101 to me and she doesn’t act that way, but I guess it’s true,” said Hanna’s daughter, Pat. “It’s remarkable, it really is. It is only a number right and Mom has been very lucky and happy with her health.”

When asked if she had any advice for Shelburne Free Press readers on reaching the age of 101, Hanna said, “A lot of people have asked me that question and I always say, being a good person. Being a good, kind person to everybody is very important and always keep laughing if you can.”