Ottawa woman marks rare milestone, celebrating her 103rd birthday

An Ottawa woman is celebrating her 103rd birthday. CTV’s Dave Charbonneau has more.

Thursday was a monumental day for Ottawa resident Jean Broadfoot.

“A hundred and three,” Jean said.

Jean is turning 103 years old and still taking life one day at a time.

“I don’t know how to feel. Hey, I just go along with it,” she said.

As for her secret to hitting this milestone, she says there is no mystery, just good health and good fortune.

“I don’t know. I guess I’m just healthy, and I’m lucky” Jean said.

Her family knows just how special the moment is.

“Well, 103 doesn’t come very often, so it’s very special,” said her son, Ross Broadfoot.

Her four children are all in their late sixties and early seventies. Two of her sons were able to attend the celebration and say it was a day they never expected, but one they are grateful to share.

“We never thought we would be here, but here we are. It’s special. It doesn’t happen very often for anyone. And we’re just glad it happened for her,” said her son, Geoff Broadfoot.

At Park Place Retirement Residence by Cogir Senior Living, staff say Jean is known as much for her sharp wit as her long life.

“Jean is probably the most witty senior you’ll ever meet in your life. She has a wonderful sense of humor. She can always make all of the staff here smile, just by the way she shows up to things,” said executive director Elina Thelen.

“She always has a comment about something, and she laughs right after she says it.”

And even at 103 years old, Jean is not done looking ahead.

“Yeah. All right. I’ll see you then,” Broadfoot said, when asked about her 104th birthday.

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