In left photo, Heritage House activity coordinator Patricia Peart shares a laugh with Georgette during her 100th birthday last Friday. In right photo, Georgette prepares to blow out her candles (thankfully they didn’t have 100 of them). The top photo represents five generations. In front row from left are Nadege Lachapelle, Georgette, baby Araiya Buchholz and Kirsten Lachapelle. In back row are Pierre, Mario and Dale Lachapelle.
Lyonel Doherty photos
If you closed your eyes and shook Georgette Landault’s hand, you’d swear she was a veteran tennis player or a seasoned tree faller.
But she’s a 100-year-old retired seamstress from Oliver.
The spry birthday girl who lives in Heritage House was surrounded by family and friends last Friday as she celebrated a century of living.
“That was her goal . . . to live to 100. Her aunt lived to 101, so she (Georgette) wanted to live to 100,” said daughter Nadege Lachapelle.
“I’m not surprised she lived to 100. She is very strong willed. If she’s going to do something, she’ll do it.”
Georgette was born in France in 1915 and learned to be a seamstress because that’s the first thing you learn in that country, said Lachapelle.
She came to Canada (Quebec) in 1955 and was a seamstress at home all of her life. Before moving to Oliver, she lived in Enderby for 20 years.
Many people ask what her secret to longevity is.
“I had a good life . . . I eat healthy,” she said in French while her daughter played translator.
Lachapelle said her mom lived on a farm where they ate what they grew.
But now she loves her dark chocolate and cheese every day. Heaven forbid if you deny her of that!
Georgette has quite the sweet tooth judging by the size of cake she ate last Friday. That thing was huge!
When asked for her advice on dealing with children who misbehave and don’t listen, her response was a little surprising considering her age.
“Have lots of patience and try to get their view, their side of the story. You can’t always holler at them.”
Lachapelle was also surprised by this response.
“She was strict (at home),” her daughter recalled. “She was the one who corrected the children. My dad was easy.”
Georgette’s advice to young people is:
“Think twice about what you are going to say.”
When asked if she would like to live for another century, she said no, but another two years will do.
Patricia Peart, activity coordinator at Heritage House, said it is very rare to have a resident reach the age of 100.
“We’re so glad to have her; she is so spry for her age.”
Peart said Georgette is always happy and likes giving everyone a hug.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
