Westmount Gardens honours resident Jean Smith on her 104th birthday

‘Jean’s birthday drew us all together as a big family’
8/5/2020  - Deron Hamel
 

Westmount Gardens resident Jean Smith turned 104 on July 23 and the London, Ont. long-term care home, her family and the local community helped Jean celebrate her special day.

Sadly, Jean passed away on July 26, but her birthday party succeeded in bringing many people together to honour Jean and to help her celebrate her rich, full life.

Jean was born July 23, 1916 and raised on her family’s farm in Mount Brydges. She later moved to London, Ont. and worked at Woolworth’s before retiring.

Jean’s birthday celebration was held outdoors in a safe area. Several arrangements of balloons and flowers were sent to Jean from local businesses to wish her a happy birthday.

Many of her family members were on hand, including three great nieces and three great-great nieces and nephews.

There was a parade made up of cars driven by Westmount Gardens family members and community members who wanted to pay tribute to Jean on her special day

A local business even donated a large “104” that was filled with balloons.

Westmount Gardens posted messages about Jean’s birthday on the home’s Facebook page, and this garnered lots of birthday cards from the local community, including many hand-made cards from children.

A reporter from CTV London stopped by to interview Jean. When asked what her secret was to living to be 104, Jean, who was single, didn’t hesitate with her response.

“She said to eat good food, to never drink alcohol and never get married,” says Westmount Gardens life enrichment manager Deb Lines.

Deb says Jean’s birthday celebration proved to be the perfect venue for bringing people together to honour her life.

“Jean’s birthday drew us all together as a big family,” she says.

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