‘Good heavens, I’ve lived for a century!’: Dartmouth, N.S., woman celebrates 100th birthday

A Dartmouth, N.S., woman credits her family, friends and faith among the reasons why she’s reached the milestone of her 100th birthday.

Phyllis Gaetz celebrated with her loved ones on Saturday at the Christ Church hall near her home, where she has been a regular for more than 40 years.

Born on July 26, 1924, Gaetz was aware her milestone birthday was looming, but said on Saturday she still couldn’t quite believe it had arrived.

“I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit because I’ve been thinking, good heavens, I’ve lived for a century!” she said.

Gaetz still lives in her own home and walked into the hall by herself before giving a speech to thank and welcome everyone.

She made that look easy too and even threw in a joke at the end.

“If I missed anybody, please forgive me and chalk it up to old age,” she smiled.

She grew up in Garnish, N.L., before moving to Nova Scotia in the 1940s.

Gaetz worked as a teacher and then at a bank. She was also a longtime food bank volunteer.

“It’s been a rich and rewarding life,” she said. “I’m very blessed to be able to say here I am at 100 years old and I have two wonderful daughters and a house full of wonderful friends.”

Along with hugs from her family and friends, she received letters from King Charles, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Governor General Mary Simon and Halifax Mayor Mike Savage to mark the occasion.

“It was a little bit shocking, here am I an ordinary person but it’s a great honour.”

To match her age, about 100 people were at the party to celebrate with her.

“We’ve been so fortunate to have Mom in our lives for such a long time,” said one of her daughters, Lynn Landry. “Mom has always been fiercely independent. And I think that’s what’s helped her reach the milestone that she has today.”

There were trivia questions for those in attendance about things that happened in 1924, as well as another quiz about the cost of items such as milk, eggs and gas a century ago.

Doing things in moderation is one of the tips Gaetz offered for living a long life but being involved in the church has been a big thing that has also kept her involved in the community.

“It’s her positive attitude and it’s her faith,” said her other daughter, Catherine MacNutt. “It’s her joy of living. That’s why she’s sitting here, and really good genes.”

Gaetz has five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

And she wants to pass on to them the values that her parents did for her.  

“I was very blessed to have parents who put love first. Money didn’t mean anything to us.”