I expect we will be experiencing some real winter weather soon, but in the meantime we are thoroughly enjoying the bright sunny weather with temperatures around -4 C.
Jan. 2, was one of those beautiful days when Mrs. Luella Forrest celebrated her 100th birthday. Congratulations and best wishes, Luella. Luella continues to be active, enjoying all her friends and family and exercise.
It must be very interesting for her to look back and realize all the changes that have taken place in her lifetime.
Luella was one of nine children in the James family and grew up, as did all her family, working hard in a world that had none of the modern things we have in our world today.
Luella married Gordon Forrest of the Forest Bank District in 1952. For several years they farmed just on the south side of the gully. Later Gordon and Luella both worked away from home, Gordon doing carpentry work and Luella cooking in restaurants. All the while they were raising their two children, Mellis and Gail.
Gordon served in the Armed Forces during the Second World War. Gordon was a faithful member of the Waseca Legion and Luella was part of the ladies’ auxiliary to the Legion. When she moved to Lloydminster, she became a life member of the Lloydminster Ladies’ Auxiliary to the Legion.
Luella has now spent many years living in Lloydminster and up until the last two years has lived in her own home. Now she lives in a seniors’ complex.
A host of family and friends attended Luella’s birthday party, which was held in Lloydminster’s Legacy Centre from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 2. Following the afternoon lunch, a programme was held at 3 p.m. Her grandchildren gave guests an insight into Luella’s life by recounting memories they cherished.
We were then entertained by Luella’s niece, Vivian Ducharme, who grew up north of Glaslyn, the daughter of Faith (Forest) and Moses Ducharme. Vivian, who now lives in Saskatoon, has enjoyed a busy musical career. She was part of Toronto’s Mendelssohn Choir, which toured Europe at one time as well as other countries. Vivien then led the guests in singing some old favourite songs. Eileen Evans accompanied her on the piano.
The afternoon came to an end with the cutting and serving of birthday cake.
We wish Luella continued good health and enjoyment of life.
Gully Gus says: “What the new year brings to us will depend a great deal on what we bring to the new year.”
