3 minute read
Milestone Birthday Gals
Milestone Birthday Gals
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Bertha MacBeth’s (nee Giebelhaus) alertness could deceive anyone of her age, but the fact she turned 100 on July 5 is remarkable. Century Park hosted a colourful and exquisitely decorated detail perfect Hawaiian-themed party for her as well as Hazel Holyk, who turned 95 on July 27, and Pauline Nowoselski, who turned 91 on July 15.
This celebration included pleasant background music by Tony Mapa and a delightful assortment of desserts, beverages, and party food prepared by Century Park Cook Kaylee Becker.
Bertha was born at home on a farm 12 miles south of Vegreville. She had three brothers and three sisters.
She was 12 years younger than her youngest sibling and remembers having a good childhood. “My brothers and sisters looked after me.”
Bertha’s earliest memory was being chased a few times by a gander on their farm.
She loved school and her favourite subject was math. After she finished school, she took shorthand and became a stenographer. She worked at Imperial Oil and Lumber in the office in Vegreville. Later, she worked in Devon. Bertha got married and had a boy and a girl.
When Bertha was asked why she felt she lived to be 100. “I had a good life. I tried to be kind to others. The advice I would others is to be yourself. Be patient, and treat people the way you would like to be treated.”
Recreation Coordinator Milene Rozmahel mentioned Bertha was an independent and happy person. “She always can tell me what she wants and needs and is a great conversationalist.”
Another birthday star, Hazel commented that she believes she lived 95 years because she took care of herself. She loved to garden and worked hard. “I liked to dress well too.”
The advice she would give young people is not to drink or smoke.
Hazel’s son-in-law Bryan Pearce admitted that Hazel is kind, caring, and has a heart of gold.
Vicky Chilibecki mentioned that her mother Pauline was amazing. “She was always very kind and loving. I believe she lived to be 91 because she worked hard.”
