An ode to Joy: Nova Scotia centenarian dies at 105
A 105-year-old woman from Lunenburg, N.S., who was an inspiration to many during the pandemic, has died.
Joy Saunders made headlines in 2020 when she walked 102 laps around her neighbourhood to mark her 102nd birthday and raise over $80,000 for the Victorian Order of Nurses, a group she once worked for.
“I still had my legs, they still worked, so I did it,” said Saunders at the time. “I’m glad I did something good at the end of my life.”
Saunders’ contribution went far beyond the monetary, according to her friend and former CTV Atlantic host Nancy Regan.
“She heard from hundreds of VON members that she had given them hope and made them feel seen at a supremely stressful time,” said Regan in an email.
In 2021, Saunders was awarded The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in recognition of her volunteer contributions with the VON.
Born during the First World War, Saunders lived through both World Wars, the Great Depression and global pandemics.
She believed if we are to live well, we must care for one another, especially during difficult days.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ceilidh Millar.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William and Kate release photo of daughter Charlotte to mark ninth birthday
Prince William and his wife Kate released a picture of their daughter Charlotte to mark the princess's ninth birthday on Thursday.
Doctors concerned about potential spread of bird flu in Canada
H5N1 or avian flu has been detected at dozens of US dairy farms and Canadian experts are urging surveillance on our side of the border too.
This Canadian restaurant just lowered its prices. Here's how it did it
A Canadian restaurant lowered its prices this week, and though news of price tags dropping rather than climbing sounds unusual, the business strategy in this case is not, according to experts in the field.
Man involved in Dartmouth, N.S., emergency alert earlier this week turns himself in
A 49-year-old man has been charged in connection with an alleged assault that happened earlier this week in Dartmouth, N.S.
Concerns about Plexiglas prompt inspections at some Loblaws locations in Ottawa
Inspections are underway at more than one Loblaws location in Ottawa after complaints were filed about tall Plexiglas barriers.
Five human skeletons, missing hands and feet, found outside house of Nazi leader Hermann Goring
Archeologists have unearthed the skeletons of five people, missing their hands and feet, at a former Nazi military base in Poland.
Imagine living in a 4-foot body that doesn't develop chronic diseases
Nathaly Paola Castro Torres has a rare disorder called Laron syndrome that is caused by a genetic mutation. It stunts her growth but also provides a hidden silver lining: Her body is protected from chronic diseases such as cancer that often take life away long before old age.
'Oh, there you go': Tyler Black, son of veteran broadcaster Rod Black, has memorable Major League Baseball debut
Canadian baseball player Tyler Black made a major splash in his first-ever big league game for the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night.
Groundbreaking American guitarist Duane Eddy dies age 86
Guitarist Duane Eddy, best known for twangy riffs on hits such as 'Rebel Rouser' and 'Cannonball,' has died at the age of 86.