THUNDER BAY - Elodie Longpre wasn’t spilling any secrets when it comes to living a long and happy life, but it certainly looks like she comes from a family with good genes.
Elodie celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday with family and friends at Superior Shores Gaming Association.
“She is feeling very good,” said Elodie’s daughter, Denise Longpre. “We are really excited. We love it. We love her shine.”
Elodie was born in New Brunswick in 1919 and moved to Thunder Bay fifty years ago where she raised a family of four girls and one boy.
Denise said Elodie grew up on a farm when she was young and the healthy, natural food may have started her on a journey that would bring her to celebrating 100 years.
But Elodie is not the only Longpre to reach 100.
“Her sister is 102 right now,” Denise said. “And we have one at 98 and 99. Her brother died last year at 102. So we have some real hard blood in our system. I don’t know how far I’m going to go but we have very good genes.”
The staff at the Superior Shores Gaming Association were excited to celebrate the milestone with Elodie, who plays several times a month with her family and friends.
“She loves it,” Denise said. “She is lovely and she is a beautiful mother.”
During the celebration, Elodie was presented with a certificate by Thunder Bay Mayor, Bill Mauro, on behalf of the city and council.
Mauro said throughout his time in public office he has had the pleasure of celebrating quite a few 100th birthdays.
“It’s amazing how many times now over the years you are invited to be at a 100th,” he said. “There are many of them. It’s not as unusual anymore. I’m trying to figure out the secret, but she wouldn’t tell me.”
Perhaps aside from strong blood and good genes, the secret to a long and happy life is right out there for everyone to see.
“I think that has a lot to do with people still being healthy and happy and being able to meet these significant milestones is being surrounded by their family,” Mauro said.
