Rimoka resident Ilona Carter, who has lived in Ponoka for her whole, long life, is inviting the community to celebrate her 100th birthday with her.
The centenarian is holding a casual, drop-in coffee and cake event at the Golden Leisure Lodge from 1:30 tp 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Anyone who would like to wish her a happy birthday is invited to stop in for a visit.
Although her sight and hearing aren't what they used to be, her sense of humour is still intact.
"I can't believe that I'm 100 but I have my birth certificate so it must be true," said Carter.
"I've been very, very lucky."
Carter was born on Dakota Road and only moved away from the Ponoka area for a few years when her husband Mickey (Michael) was serving in the military.
When they came back to Ponoka, Mickey started a farm - to her chagrin.
"I always said I'd never marry a farmer and I ended up with a farmer," she said.
They had two children: Barrie and Janet Ann.
They operated a dairy until Mickey had an electrical accident, leaving him unable to farm.
After that, they purchased a store in town and ran a ladies' clothing store, "Classic Style," for the next 20 years, 1975 to '95.
They lost their daughter to cancer in 2000.
Mickey passed away in 2009 at the age of 87 after suffering a heart attack while on a cruise of the Hawaiian Islands.
Ilona now has four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Her son is coming to her birthday party. Some of her family are even coming from California and Texas to share her special day with her.
Although it's hard not being able to enjoy everything she used to, she says her grandson from California keeps her supplied with audio books to listen to.
"He is so good about it."
