Georgette, who turned 100 on January 30th, remembers streetcars on Preston Avenue and a barn on Preston at Aberdeen streets. She also used to know the owner of Preston Hardware by name.  

Georgette has been living at 865 Gladstone since 1994 – nearly 30 years. She said she was born and raised in the Preston Street area.  

“I’ve lived here my whole life,” she said.  

In her 100 years, she has seen a lot – including serving food to the Queen at the Governor General’s residence. She learned to curtsey for the occasion and had to wear gloves. In January, she received letters from both the Governor–General and the Queen to honour her milestone birthday.  

She has also been a fixture in her community. In the past, Georgette has been a member of the building’s Tenant Association and remains active in tenant activities. She has received letters from local politicians for her volunteerism both at 865 Gladstone and the broader community. She recounted one story of handing out teddy bears and candy canes to local children around Christmas one year.  

She has one daughter, two grandsons and three great–grandchildren. 

Now she cannot imagine living anywhere else.  

“I am very comfortable here; this is my home,” she said.  

Georgette said her daughter visits often to bring her food and to check on her. She also receives food from Meals on Wheels and support from OCH staff.  

On her birthday, Georgette’s daughter did her hair, and they made videos for her grandchildren.  

The day before her birthday, the building’s property manager, Rachel, and her community developer, Guy, stopped by with a card, flowers and a cake to celebrate her big day. 

“You couldn’t ask for better than Guy and Rachel,” Georgette said. 

Georgette has an established routine and manages well despite her age. She stays connected with her family over the phone, even though COVID-19 has made seeing them in person more difficult.  

When asked what she has done to keep herself in shape, she said she did not really have an answer. 

“Nothing special. Maybe it is because I am half French and half Italian,” she joked.