Ahead by a century

Photo: Peggy Paradis

The daughter of a Canadian soldier and an English woman, Peggy Paradis was born six days before the end of the First World War.

On Sunday, Peggy's family gathered in Vernon to celebrate her 100th birthday. 

All smiles, Peggy says except for failing eyesight, she enjoys good health.

"My life was full and exciting. I believe I had the important things in life and I can only hope my children and grandchildren have a life as enjoyable as mine."

At the age of six months, Peggy and her family sailed to Canada and settled in Fort William, now known as Thunder Bay. 

Peggy's father died at an early age of pneumonia — his death, Nov. 5, 1925 — Peggy's 7th birthday.  Peggy's memories of her father are few, but she does remember him being kind and when she thinks of him the sound of an old Victrola playing "Yes, I have no bananas" plays in her head. 

Peggy's mother remarried and eventually had four children. Peggy's family, her, her sister and four half-siblings grew up in Kapuskasing in Northern Ontario. 

Peggy remembers being taken to school in a horse-drawn carriage and shining her patent leather shoes with the inside of a banana peel when they became scuffed or dirty.

Peggy shares with her family the way life evolved for her and her friends and family. From her first job babysitting for .25 cents a night, to meeting her husband to starting a family, the years pass by in the words she uses.

Peggy would go on to get married and have four children of her own — two boys and two girls — all named after movie stars. 

"I walked to the hospital to deliver them all," Peggy says.  "The last two were born in January."

Peggy's life is dotted with great memories and milestones, like the time in 1953 when Princess Elizabeth and Prince Charles came to her town.

"What excitement. I saw her in five different outfits. When their car passed our house, I was on the curb. I wonder what they thought of our small town. I can't imagine why would they stay two days."

Peggy and her Husband, Arm, would move to Vernon and owned a laundry mat, but eventually, moved back to Ontario because her husband missed the sunsets. 

Peggy's husband, Arm, died in 1988. 

Over the course of 100 years, Peggy loved, laughed and travelled. She was married twice, visited countries like England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, she even took a Carribean cruise with her sister Babs.

Peggy was 90 when she stopped travelling to Florida. A few years later she decided to move into a retirement home. 

"I quite enjoy being served all my meals."

Peggy lost her second husband, Tony, only a few years ago. 

In 2017, Peggy moved into a retirement home in Vernon to be closer to her family. 

Peggy's stories reflect an ever-changing world, and she shares them fearlessly. From love to sadness to triumph to tragedy, hers is a life well lived. 

"Today I am enjoying my 100th birthday with my family and friends. Thank you for coming and sharing this day with me. This story is to be continued..."