2 P.E.I. women celebrate their 101st birthdays together

Spirits were high at Gillis Lodge in Belfast, P.E.I., on Saturday as dozens celebrated the 101st birthdays of two women. 

Hilda Cannon and Clarabelle Seeley were born one day apart in 1924 — Cannon on March 15 and Seeley on March 16. 

They celebrated together, with live music, cake and plenty of friends and family members in attendance. 

"There's a lot of people here.… I love everybody here," Seeley said. 

The guests of honour also received 101 birthday cards from across the country and special letters from P.E.I.'s lieutenant-governor and the local MLA.  

Asked whether she feels special on her birthday weekend, Seeley said: "I do now." 

'It was very special'

Some of Cannon's children attended the party, and said they felt fortunate to spend their mother's birthday with her. 

"She taught us everything, like how to accept everybody from the community," said Cathy Dowling, Cannon's daughter. "She's my hero — all of our heroes." 

Cannon was born in Saskatchewan and moved to P.E.I. after meeting her husband in Ontario. They had 12 children — six in Ontario and six in P.E.I., her son Alfred Cannon said. 

"We had a good life, a happy life. And they had a busy life. They raised 12, so it was really busy," he said. 

Her son said Cannon's neighbours considered her their mother, too.

"It was always, 'Move over, make room for one more at the table.' Her door was always open," he said. 

Cannon has been living at Gillis Lodge for the last 10 years.

"They take excellent care of her here … and we can't say enough good things about what they do here," he said. 

Lois Chandler, Hilda's daughter who also works at Gillis Lodge, said the activities directors are amazing. 

"They always put together so many great activities, and it was very special to have the two ladies share their birthdays together," Chandler said. 

"We're very fortunate to have them both." 

The secret to 101

Before Seeley cut her birthday cake, she shared her secret to living to 101. 

"I don't smoke, and I don't drink liquor," she said. "I just eat good food and eat pretty good."

In terms of how she wants to celebrate the milestone, Seeley said she wants to make others happy. 

"When I make someone else happy, it makes me happy, too."