Double celebration at Château Symmes: two centenarians mark birthdays

Tashi Farmilo

A remarkable event took place this week at Château Symmes Retirement Residence as two of its residents celebrated crossing the centenary mark. This rare occurrence of having two centenarians in the same residence calls for a grand celebration, and that's precisely what the residents and staff at Château Symmes did.

Marie-Paule Labonté, born on September 20, 1923, marked her 100th birthday. Just a few days earlier, Alice Belisle commemorated her 101st birthday, having been born on September 16, 1922.

Such momentous occasions did not go unnoticed by the local government. In honour of the duo, Councillor Jocelyn Blondin presented special certificates of congratulations on behalf of Mayor France Bélisle. Addressing the gathering, Councillor Blondin remarked, "Celebrating a single centenarian is a big deal, but having two in our community, and notably in the same residence, is extraordinary. This is a testament to the wonderful environment here at Château Symmes and the vitality of its residents."

Château Symmes Retirement Residence, known for its vibrant community and rich activities, has always taken pride in its residents and their accomplishments. Still, this week's events are sure to be highlighted in its history for years to come.

Residents and staff alike are already gearing up for next year, hopeful to celebrate even more birthdays and milestones. For now, the air at Château Symmes remains cheerful and reverberates with stories from the past century, as shared by its newest centenarians.

Photo caption: The radiant centenarians of Château Symmes Retirement Residence during their momentous birthday celebrations. 

Photo credit: Tashi Farmilo