Special celebration for seven centenarians at Les Résidences du Marché
|Event
There are now more than 2,600 centenarians in Quebec… Amazingly, 7 of them are part of the extended family at Les Résidences du Marché, a residential complex in the heart of the close-knit community of Sainte-Thérèse. In a heartfelt tribute to these individuals, the residence’s management team warmly and thoughtfully organized a marvelous celebration, beautifully honouring 700 years of life stories. The generous involvement of the community was undoubtedly a major factor in the success of this event, which was held on May 15 and attended by partners, relatives, friends, Le Groupe Maurice employees and prominent public figures.
In style!
The dignitaries at the event included the Mayor of Sainte-Thérèse, Christian Charron; the Member of Parliament for Thérèse-De Blainville, Louise Chabot; the Executive President and founder of Le Groupe Maurice, Luc Maurice; and the Minister responsible for Seniors, Sonia Bélanger. In her short speech, Ms. Bélanger expressed her deep respect for the centenarians, praising their resilience in the face of the many challenges they have overcome in their lives. She also acknowledged their significant contribution to society.
The founder of Le Groupe Maurice spent this extraordinary day revisiting the first of his residences, meeting the team, and sharing a meal in the company of the centenarians. Dazzled by their exceptional longevity, he remembered their secret to a long and happy life: no expectations or regrets. “I would love to have half your health at your age (…) You are my idols,” he said at the end of his speech, visibly moved and full of respect for these people.
A great community
It was clearly an emotional day for everyone! Touched by the centenarians’ life stories, the cosmeticians from Uniprix pharmacy Milène Bergeron and Julie Dumont, as well as the hairstyling students from the Paul-Émile Dufresne school – who volunteered to pamper the centenarians – said they were delighted to have met these people, who have so much to share, and proud to have played a part in the event. During their visit, they were also struck by the human warmth radiating from this residential community. One of the makeup artists even said that it couldn’t be a coincidence that there are so many centenarians at Les Résidences du Marché!
This celebration, to which many businesses and community partners generously contributed, was also a reminder of the importance of taking a moment, collectively, to appreciate what older people have built and to celebrate their lives which, still today, are nothing short of remarkable!
700 years of life stories
Pierre Bergevin
As a priest, Pierre Bergevin was responsible for the parish of Sainte-Thérèse-d’Avila for many decades. Amazingly, he walked his first Camino de Compostela at the age of 79 and repeated the experience at 88. He was made an honorary citizen of Sainte-Thérèse a decade ago.
Jacqueline Lamarche
Jacqueline Lamarche taught elementary school until she was 95! Having arrived at the residence almost 20 years ago, she is still very much involved in the community. She helped found Atelier Altitude and is a member of the Faith and Light organization. In 2015, she was named an honorary citizen of Sainte-Thérèse.
Marie-Rose Latour
One of the first residents at Les Résidences du Marché, Marie-Rose Latour, a shy but generous woman, worked as a seamstress and milliner at Chez Léonie in Montreal between 1940 and 1960. Then, one day, she met Marcel Lapierre and, together, they had six children.
Roland Cassista
Roland Cassista, born in Saint-Octave-de-l’Avenir on the Gaspé Peninsula, lives at Les Résidences du Marché with his wife. Their love story goes back 76 years! A lifelong supporter of gender equality, he sends his three daughters each a bouquet of flowers every year on International Women’s Day.
Léone Guillaume
Originally from the Champagne region of France, Léone Guillaume immigrated to Canada after World War II. She overcame famine and post-war hardship to become a podiatrist – a rare career for women in those days – and a mother. Her son is one of her greatest joys.
Bernadette Boissy
Baseball fan Bernadette Boissy gave birth to four children. Funnily enough, she sometimes went so far as to jump the fence at Jarry Park Stadium with her little ones to watch the games! Still a great fan of the sport, she now records the games so as not to miss them.
Jeannine Labelle
Jeannine Labelle, who will officially celebrate her 100th birthday in August, was a hairstylist and owner of her own salon in Montreal. In her forties, she went back to school and became a social worker for the federal government, helping hundreds of people. She is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement.
