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Coffee and good humour keeps Alice going at age 104 (3 photos)

A visit from her four-legged friend Brandy helps too

A Guelph woman who turned 104 this week says she is living a blessed life and has seen a lot of things change in her time. 

Alice Edwards was born in Wales in 1914 and moved to Canada in 1986. During a birthday party held on Monday, Edwards told GuelphToday she never expected to make it to 100 years old, let alone 104.

“I enjoyed life, going out different places. I have seen more than many people. I’ve been lucky,” said Edwards.

Residents in Edwards’ former apartment complex threw the party for her on Monday in the reception room. She lived in the apartment for about 23 years but finally moved in to a nursing home earlier this year.

Among the party goers was Brandy, a four-year-old miniature Pomeranian owned by Pat Wilcox, who has been Edwards’ caregiver for a number of years. Brandy spent much of her time a the party on Edwards’ lap.

Wilcox said Edwards lived independently in the apartment complex for years, with a little help.

Like with many people who make it to Edwards’ age, most of her friends and family have passed or no longer live nearby.

Wilcox said it was important to bring Edwards out to celebrate her birthday with friends at the complex.

“Just because she is 104,” said Wilcox. “With some of her friends.”

Friends from the complex came together for the party, which included finger food and cake.

Edwards said she was pleased with the turnout.

“I have been blessed for many things. I have some very good friends,” she said.

Edwards said she inherited her father’s good humour, which has helped her reach 104.

“I like a bit of a laugh now and again,” said Edwards. “You have to have something to encourage you.”

Edwards said she has one vice that her doctor has warned her against. She said he calls her stubborn.

“The only thing I drink is coffee. Coffee is my one and only,” she said.


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Kenneth Armstrong

About the Author: Kenneth Armstrong

Kenneth Armstrong is a news reporter and photojournalist who regularly covers municipal government, business and politics and photographs events, sports and features.
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