With a spirit that defies her age, Helen Reeves led a group of seniors on a march to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Southlake Care Village in Newmarket this morning.
At 102 years old, she was so far ahead of her group that, at times, she had to stop for the rest of them to catch up. Her walker did not hinder her pace.
"Age is just a number," said Reeves, at four feet and seven inches tall. "I feel like I am still in my '80s. I am very blessed."
Reeves was born on July 19, 1922, and grew up in Etobicoke. She met her husband, Fred, at a birthday party before marrying in 1945.
"He had his choice of five young women and chose me," said Reeves.
Reeves has two daughters, Laurene and Wendy, and one son, David. She has seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Her family consists of five generations of women who live across the country.
Her daughter Laurene joined her as family, friends, and volunteers cheered on their loved ones. They walked down Grace Street to Roxborough Road, down to Queen Street, onto Prospect Street, and back to the home on Grace. Newmarket Mayor John Taylor was in attendance, along with officers of the Ontario Provincial Police and York Regional Police, walking with the group.
Taylor said his mother worked in long-term care for about 30 years. He saw how much she loved working with residents, and said Southlake Village represents that. His father, Tom Taylor, was the mayor when the facility opened.
"Southlake Village is an important part of the Town of Newmarket and everybody here."
Reeves said her husband worked as a mechanical engineer in Mississauga before retiring in 1964. They were together for 78 years before he passed away last year at the age of 99. She said people have to choose the right person to marry and give and take.
"People nowadays don't stay together, and I think it's a shame," said Reeves. "They are not trying."
Reeves has lived through the Second World War and the Great Depression. She remembers when John F. Kennedy was shot in 1963 and the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001.
"That was a shock to everyone, including Canadians," said Reeves.
She said her secret to a long life is being happy and having everything in moderation. She cuts down on red meat, sugar, salt, and white wine. She drinks half a glass of wine if she can't sleep.
