Centenarians: Sharing 100 Years of Wisdom 
May 8, 2024
Ethel MacDonald
Resident, Parkland Cape Breton
Ethel celebrated her 100th birthday with a crisp new 100-dollar bill. Ethel graduated from the Sydney Academy secretarial course and then moved to Ottawa to work on Parliament Hill with the Department of National Defense. Eventually, she moved back home to Cape Breton where she worked various jobs around Sydney and got married in 1949. She has three children.
An avid skier, skater, and curler Ethel says, “keep going and do lots of activities, this is what has gotten me this far in life!”Ethel never dreamed of turning 100 and she feels like she has achieved a new life goal
Leota Weldon
Resident, Monarch Hall
Leota Weldon turned 101 on February 14th.
She is a family orientated woman who loves to keep friends and relatives close. “I feel the same,”said Leota when asked how she felt about turning 101.
“I am truly surprised to have celebrated this birthday.”101 years are filled with many different experiences for Leota. “I have lived a long and fulfilling life, it has been very interesting, and I have meta lot of good people.
Shirley Hilchey
Resident, Parkland at the Lakes
Shirley Hilchey believes the secret to a long and healthy life is simple: Rice Krispies and bananas!
Having recently celebrated her 100th birthday, Shirley was invited to share her life story to mark the 100th podcast episode of Kristen and Mike in Dartmouth, NS.
Shirley has lived a long and full life; in 100 years she has raised a beautiful family with her husband. Shirley has traveled around to many places with her loving husband but has found her home in Nova Scotia.
When asked if she was indeed 100 years old, she said, “I think I am. I have to look at my birth certificate!” Shirley grew up during the Great Depression and has worked hard for everything she has.Life has taken Shirley on exciting adventures and taught her many lessons, “When you are young, you wish you had everything. But what you don’t have you don’t miss.” She encourages people to enjoy life and take it one day at a time.
Madame Marguerite Maille
Résidente duPavillon Cormier
Résidente du Pavillon Cormier, Mme Maillet a récemment célébré son 100e anniversaire de naissance. Elle a toujours été passionnée de l’écriture, même encore aujourd’hui. Après ses études elle a collaboré avec plusieurs personnes eta publié plusieurs livres pour les enfants en tant qu’auteure. Elle a également enseigné la littérature acadienne à l’Université de Moncton pendant bon nombre d’années. De plus, sa passion lui a permis de fonder sa maison d’édition, Bouton d’or Acadie,qui publie des œuvres pour la jeunesse. Parmi ses nombreuses distinctions, elle a été nommée, en 2002, Officier de l’Ordre du Canada.
Mrs. Marguerite Maillet
Resident of Pavillon Cormier
Mrs. Maillet recently celebrated her 100th birthday.She has always been passionate about writing, even today. After her studies, she taught Acadian literature at the University of Moncton for many years and published several books for children as an author. Her passion enabled her to set up her own publishing house, Bouton d’or Acadie, which publishes works for young people. Among hermany distinctions, she was appointed, in 2002, Officer of the Order of Canada.
