WATCH: Greenwood Park street-side centennial celebration
"I feel honoured that I have reached this age," said Olga Desplace.
OLGA Louise Desplace was the star of the show as neighbours drove past her front lawn hooting jovially before gathering on the street to sing Happy Birthday. Born in 1920, Desplace celebrated her 100th birthday on 5 June.
“I feel honoured that I have reached this age,” she Desplace as family gathered around for the centennial celebration.
When asked what advice she would give to younger generations, she said: “Love one another and God will help you.”
Among the crowd of well wishers was grand daughter, Lesley Haynes.
“We are so proud and excited to celebrate her 100th birthday. She has passed on so much wisdom to us, we are so grateful and so blessed,” said Haynes.
“She has taught us to always be kind and grateful,” added great granddaughter, Jamie-Leigh Haynes.
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Aside from having high blood pressure, Desplace is still in good health, using a walking stick to get around. At home, she still helps with the cooking and sweeps.
“She loves to read, do puzzles, word searches and crosswords, and play Bingo,” said Jamie-Leigh.
Desplace called the Bingo numbers at the Senior Citizens Club at St Columba Church for years.
She trained to be a nurse in her youth.
Desplace, who grew up in the area, is one of eight children, five of whom are still alive.
Her family was planning a photoshoot and family lunch to celebrate the special day.
While it is a challenge to celebrate during lockdown, Haynes said the pandemic has not worried her grandmother.
“She never gets phased, she’s always calm and she’s been fine. She hasn’t’ really been out, except to see her doctor for a checkup,” said Haynes.
Friend of the family, Colleen Smerdon organised the drive-by parade, inviting fellow church members from the community to celebrate from a safe distance and make Desplace’s day special.
“The family have been friends of mine all my life and I couldn’t let this event go by without celebrating somehow,” she said.
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