Celebrating 100 happy years

Shawna O'Neill, Special to TC Media
Celebrating 100 happy years
Mary Walton celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday

CORNWALL, Ontario – On Monday, June 4, Mary Walton turned 100-years-old. She celebrated her century milestone birthday with several close friends and family at McConnell Manor. 

“If somebody asks me how old I am, I usually say ‘well, you should know, I’m 16!’” said Walton with a laugh.

Walton was given a congratulatory letter from Guy Lauzon and our Prime Minister, as well as a letter from Queen Elizabeth II and the Governor General of Canada. She was also presented with a plaque that will be on the Hall of Fame at McConnell Manor with other residents who have turned 100.

Lawrence Mask, the Secretary of CN Pensioners Association Inc., presented Walton with a plaque and wished her a happy birthday on behalf of the CN Rail Pension Committee.

“This is the most wonderful thing I’ve seen!” said Walton when she received the plaque.

Nancy McAteer, Walton’s daughter, gave an emotional speech detailing the journeys of her parents and how they came to settle in Moose Creek. She thanked her mother for her successful upbringing and unconditional encouragement.

Walton gave an inspiring speech, thanking the CN Rail Pension Committee for their support. She also proudly showed everyone one of her most treasured items: a t-shirt that was made for her on her 80th birthday, which has a cartoon figure of each of her five children with their name inscribed below. On the back of the shirt is her name with a flower.

“Now, what else do I treasure? You people! You people,” she said to her fellow residents at the Manor. “Now what would I do if I didn’t have you? You never ever let me down.”

Walton was gifted with a beautiful cake that had her favourite past times represented on it: gardening, sewing, knitting and playing bridge. She successfully blew out 100 candles at another party on the weekend.

“I did a lot of travelling. A lot, a lot,” said Walton, remembering some of her favourite memories. Walton enjoyed travelling with her husband, but after his passing she enjoyed travelling alone too. Sometimes she wishes she could have gotten to see South Africa.

Walton is happy to be in Cornwall celebrating her 100th birthday and is looking forward to the years to come. 

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