‘Inspirational’: Montreal CHSLD celebrating nine women turning 100 & older this year

“My secret, it’s one day at a time,” says Eugenie Joseph, Montrealer who is turning 105 years old in September. She is one of nine women at CHSLD Pierre-Joseph-Triest who are turning 100 or older this year. Pamela Pagano reports.

Some Montrealers are living life to the fullest — literally!

CityNews was at CHSLD Pierre-Joseph-Triest on Tuesday where nine incredible women were celebrating a big birthday milestone, each turning 100 years old or more this year.

Nine women from Montreal’s CHSLD Pierre-Joseph-Triest who are turning 100 or more this ear were celebrated on July 16, 2024. (Submitted by: Vicki Bérubé)

“Everyone is smiling, everyone is having fun,” said Vicki Bérubé, a recreational technician at the CHSLD and who spearheaded the event. “They are singing the songs, they are dancing.”

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Centenarians at CHSLD Pierre-Joseph-Triest:

Eugenie Joseph is turning 105 years old in September. She’s seen smiling alongside her daughter-in-law at Montreal’s CHSLD Pierre-Joseph-Triest before their centenarians celebration on July 16, 2024. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

Music, cake, smiles, and family filled the room –- and a lot of wisdom too, the centenarians sharing their secrets to longevity.

“My secret, it’s one day at a time,” said Joseph, who was born in 1919, she will be 105 years old in Sept.

“I always take care of myself,” added 100-year-old, Bruneau.

100-year-old Mariette Bruneau and her family at Montreal’s CHSLD Pierre-Joseph-Triest for their centenarians celebration on July 16, 2024. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

Nearly 102-year-old Pilon explained that she has no secret at all.

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“Oh I don’t have one,” she said. “I don’t have one because life, it restarts everyday.”

“She went through many things,” said Gisele Marcotte, Pilon’s daughter. “We are very very happy that she lives here, she’s well here, this is what matters for us.”

A birthday cake at Montreal’s CHSLD Pierre-Joseph-Triest for their centenarians on July 16, 2024. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

After realizing that nine of their residents would have reached a century – and more – this year, the entire long-term care home team got involved with organizing this joined birthday celebration. 

Lyette Theroux, the director of CHSLD Pierre-Joseph-Triest said, “I don’t know if I will live as long as they do but it’s nice to see that you can live long, you can live healthy, you can still have fun.”

“People living here are losing autonomy,” she added. “That’s why they’re living here.”

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“We have different people, they’re coming from different districts of Montreal.”

Director of Montreal’s CHSLD Pierre-Joseph-Triest, Lyette Theroux, speaking at their centenarians celebration on July 16, 2024. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

“It’s really inspirational to be with them, nine of them,” said Bérubé. “Because in the day-to-day we don’t get to meet a person who is 100 years old.”

“And now we have nine,” she added. “Now we have nine.”