She is a quiet older lady who still lives by herself in Levack, but there's something particularly special about Angeline Charlebois. And it has nothing to do with the fact that she still does her banking and up until recently was hanging laundry on the clothesline outside.
Charlebois left the house Monday to go over to the Onaping Falls Golden Age Club, where she met up with friends and family members to celebrate her 105th birthday.
She was born December 18, 1918 in Oklee, Minnesota, and in her lifetime she has survived two international pandemics. The first was the Spanish Flu that took the life of her father, who died two months before she was born. Then there was COVID-19.
"I’m lucky I’m able to do things and that I’m in my house, and not in a (retirement) home,” she said in a previous interview, in Cottage Life magazine, referring to the long list of Ontario retirement homes who have been hit hardest by COVID-19 outbreaks and deaths.
Charlebois was introduced to the party Monday by Golden Age Club President Jim Howe, who described "Angie" as a long-time and well known member who continues to be one of the nicest people in town.
"She doesn't live in the past. She's in the present and always looking forward. So she's an inspiration to all of us," said Howe.
Howe said she is a regular at the club where she goes to play cards and often shows up with baked goods for the card table.
Howe also described how Charlebois was someone who enjoys her independence, still goes out to do her banking and "is as smart as a whip."
Howe said Charlebois had to be told to take it easier on herself.
"You know until recently, she did her own laundry. Now, her washing machine is in the basement. She would throw her clothes down, go down and do the washing and then bring them up one step at a time. And then take them outside and hang them on the clothesline."
He said her daughters have convinced her not to be so carefree.
Charlebois said she was pleased to see everyone dropping by. She lifted a glass of whisky (Gibson’s Finest) and water in a toast to the crowd.
"Thank you everybody for coming and taking the time off just to come in to wish me happy birthday. It's a great honour to be able to see so many people, so many friends from long ago, until now," she said.
"I'm happy and I keep on trucking," she laughed.
"And just keep happy," she added.
Also part of the celebration were good wishes from local community leaders. Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré brought greetings from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas presented greetings from Premier Doug Ford.
The 105th birthday wishes also included best wishes from Buckingham Palace.
"May your celebration be filled with joy, fond memories and the love of family and friends," said a document from King Charles III.
Afterwards Charlebois said she hadn't expected anything special for her birthday celebration.
Thinking back to another big celebration that was held five years ago on her 100th birthday, Charlebois just smiled and she didn't give any thought that one day she would be celebrating her 105th birthday.
"But I think I will be back for my 110th!" she laughed.
"Oh sure. I'll be here with bells on, God willing," she smiled.
Len Gillis is a reporter with Sudbury.com.
