Bernice Bird with members of her family. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Happy Birthday

Birch Hills resident celebrates 106th birthday

Sep 8, 2023 | 5:10 PM

It’s a milestone only a few across the entire globe can say they’ve reached.

Bernice Bird celebrated her 106^th birthday on Friday at her care home in Birch Hills.

Her granddaughter Pam told paNOW everyone wants their grandparents to live as long as possible and she’s personally living the dream.

“I’ve learned so much from her and I would love to keep her for another 106 years.”

However, living another 106 years isn’t on Bird’s bucket list.

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“Not if I can help it,” she said to a roar of laughter from everyone in attendance.

Bernice Bird. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

Every question asked received a funny remark from Bird. This included her feeling ‘crappy’ when asked how she felt and a sad and exhausted ‘no’ when asked if she ever thought she’d live this long.

It’s that type of humour that Pam believes has helped her grandmother live as long as she has. That’s one of the lessons she was taught, smile and enjoy life as much as possible.

“I think that’s the main thing. Laughing when times are tough and laughing when times are good,” said Pam.

Bird has called Birch Hills home for around 90 years. Originally from the Village of Glenside, she and several residents ended up walking from the Town of Hanley to Birch Hills when she was a teenager. According to Google Maps, this trip would have been over 200 km.

A few years later, she would meet Ethel Macfie as each’s husband became hunting buddies. The pair reunited at Bird’s birthday party after not seeing each other for several years.

Macfie said she always remembered Bird being really nice.

Bernice Bird (left) and Ethel Macfie (right). (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

Also in attendance was Bird’s son Russel, Graham Guest who Bird explained was her ‘adopted son’, other members of her family, and several friends.

Bernice Bird with her son Russel (bottom left) and some of her friends. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow