Salvation Army Ottawa Grace Manor Resident Turns 107 Years Young
Roberta Brown earned the celebration of a life well lived on Saturday, June 5, 2021.
A parade of classic cars, a bagpiper playing happy birthday, and an appearance by Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa Fire Services recognized The Salvation Army Ottawa Grace Manor resident’s 107th birthday. Dressed in a pink blouse and summery white pants, Roberta took in the party from her chair surrounded by colourful bunches of balloons.
Family, friends, and Grace Manor staff took part in the outdoor and socially distanced celebration for Roberta, who was born in Templeton, Quebec in 1914. She grew up on a farm with her brother and older sister. Her father passed when Roberta was only a few months old. At age 15, Roberta moved with the family to Ottawa, where she has lived ever since.
“This was a fantastic day, my mom really enjoyed it and we’re so thankful for the staff at Grace Manor for hosting this great birthday celebration,” says her son, Rob Dunn.
Roberta is experiencing macular degeneration but is otherwise very healthy and alert. She’s a survivor, having beat cancer four times. Long life runs in the family as her sister Beulah lived to be 103 years old.
“Even with her bad eyesight she can still beat my brother Maynard and me at cribbage, which we play on a regular basis,” Dunn says. “Many people want to know her secret and there isn’t one. She smoked for a while, she never exercised, she never dieted, but always seemed to be healthy.”
In her younger years, Roberta worked at several department stores, none of which are around anymore. She would regularly attend fiddler dances and was an avid bowler. She still likes to take her chances at the casino and Dunn said he’ll take her to one once they reopen.
Dunn says his mom loves playing cards and is still an excellent card player at age 107. He remembers a story of Roberta and her friends having a particularly lively evening of card playing. The late-night game with three friends disturbed the neighbours and police responded to a noise complaint. Coming on the scene of four women over 70 playing cards, the officer gave them a big smile and just asked them to keep their voices down a little.
Carrie Cunningham, Grace Manor’s activity manager, says staff will continue to hold a party every year for their longest living resident.
“This is a wonderful show of support for Roberta to let her know that she is a well-loved and valued member of the Grace Manor community,” Cunningham says. “We are so happy for Roberta and wish her a happy birthday.”
Roberta has six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
By Chris McGregor
