‘Live day by day’: Kemptville, Ont. woman celebrating 107th birthday

A Kemptville woman celebrating her 107th birthday at her retirement home, reflecting on over a century of life. CTV’s Shaun Vardon reports.

A Kemptville, Ont. woman is celebrating her 107th birthday at her retirement home, reflecting on over a century of life.

Kay Shimada is the oldest resident in her town.

Her daughter, Sandy Shimada-Mannon, says the positive outlook on life has made her mother resilient throughout all the changes and challenges she’s encountered.

She was born before the end of the First World War in Marpole, British Columbia, which is now a suburb of Vancouver, on April 10, 1918.

Kay and her family were locked up in internment camps during the Second World War. They moved to Ontario after the war. The strength and positive outlook that got her through this dark period in Canada’s history is clear to this day.

“That’s where like my brother was born and most of my relatives but, you know, she always makes the best of whatever situation she is in and is always positive and just toughs it out, “Sandy said. “We are all amazed but on the other hand not, because she is a survivor.”

Kay has been living at Kemptville Retirement Living since 2019, and her secret to living such a long life is to keep moving. At the age of 107, she was out on the dance floor with the owner of Kemptville Retirement Living. She keeps busy with walks around the grounds and according to staff members, her room is the furthest from the dining room and she always walks to every meal. When asked if she would be around for birthday 108, she replied “I’ll see you then.”

“It’s great. it’s wonderful. My son, my daughter in law, my daughter … it’s a big day for me isn’t it?” Kay said. “And all of the lovely people and the flowers are beautiful is no different from being 100, just live day by day.”

Thursday’s celebration had live music, a dance performance and cake, with dozens of residents attending this rare milestone. It was capped off with a special presentation by Nancy Peckford, the Mayor of North Grenville, recognizing Kay and her long life.

For her family, being able to celebrate this milestone in such a grand way has been heartwarming for them and their mother.

“It’s great. The staff here have just been just gone beyond everything, and they have all teamed up to work together to make it a special day for her. It’s really nice we are very appreciative,” Sandy said.