Local resident credits healthy eating for making it to 100-years-old Vera Watson hit the century milestone last Wednesday

Amherstburg in 1951 when her husband was transferred to the local Seagram (now Diageo) plant. She said she adapted to North America easily.

“It’s a friendly place,” she says of Amherstburg. Watson also recalled her career, noting she met many people through the years.

“I worked for Ranta Enterprises for many years,” said Watson. “Then I worked with Murray Smith at Amherst Quarries.”

Watson’s first office was in a schoolhouse that was on the property. A second building went up and her original office was moved downtown where it now sits on Dalhousie St. Richard said it became Nissen’s Bake Shop and is now the Waterfront Ice Cream Parlour.

Watson added the Smiths are a good family and pointed out Murray Smith was also the mayor of Amherstburg during her time working for him.

“He did a lot for this town,” said Watson.

Her secret for her longevity is her diet, Richard said.

“She ate very well,” he said.

In addition to red wine, Watson added “I used to make steamed carrots and broccoli every day.” She also made sure she ate all three meals of the day.

“Part of her success is the number of friends that support her,” said Richard.

By Ron Giofu

An Amherstburg resident celebrated her 100th birthday and credits healthy eating for part of the reason why.

Vera Watson celebrated her milestone birthday last Wednesday with son Richard and some friends. The grandmother of three and great-grandmother of seven had dinner provided by The Artisan Grill and enjoyed her special day.

Born in England in 1923, Watson came to North

America in 1943. She once worked in a London department store and was there one day when the Queen Mother came through. She also lived through the London blitz during World War II before coming to Canada.

“I was a war bride,” she said. “I came to Canada when Richard was a baby.”

Watson’s journey actually saw her land at Ellis Island in New York. She and Richard would then travel by train to Montreal where she lived with her husband and son for eight years. They moved to

The family thanks the staff at The Artisan Grill for their support on her 100th birthday, noting the meal also came with roses.

Watson added that her favourite meal is lobster thermador.

“For a 100-year-old person, that helps,” she said. “It keeps her involved with the community thanks to the support.”

Watson said she feels special to be able to turn 100-years-oid and joked “I’m not looking for a man.”

It has been a good life, Watson added.

“I did pretty well, didn’t I?” she said.

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Our government is giving Windsor Regional Hospital the funds it needs to provide the best possible care to patients in the region while we work towards building a new and modern hospital.