A musical birthday bash was held for a Cape Breton woman who turned 104 years old on Sunday.
Family and friends dropped by to celebrate the occasion with Janet Anderson – a woman who’s lived through two World Wars and the Great Depression.
"She never stopped,” said Anderson’s daughter Liz Theriault. “She was always on the go. Always joining clubs, bands – you name it."
Anderson is a mother of four with scores of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandchild. She’s the founder of the Memory Lane Fun Band for seniors – a band she was a member of for 27 years.
It’s one of her biggest accomplishments in a life filled with music and song.
“I was in the fun band with her,” said Anderson’s sister, Lorraine Young. “Actually, it was her who made me join the fun band after I lost my husband."
Anderson was greeted by a long line of well-wishers on her special day.
"I'm so happy for her,” said Theriault. “She knows what's going on. She's aware of it all and she loves it.”
Cape Breton Regional Municipality Mayor Cecil Clarke stopped by with a special birthday gift, naming Anderson’s birthday as Janet Anderson Day in the municipality.
"She's given so much to her community,” said Clarke. “To initiate the fun band for seniors, to be active in the legion, always giving to her community, and never looking for anything in return."
Her loved ones say no award could do justice for her devotion to family.
"She was the best mother you'd ever want to have,” said Theriault. “She put her children first."
Anderson was named Outstanding Senior Citizen of Cape Breton back in 1977. Forty years later, she’s still going strong.
"I know what her secret is. She doesn't let herself get stressed out,” said Theriault. “She'll take it with a grain of salt. If something happens, oh well. Then she'll get on with her life.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald.
