Poplar Grove Court's Florence Hughes is turning 100 on Nov. 29.
Poplar Grove Court's Florence Hughes is turning 100 on Nov. 29.
Originally born in Coaldale in 1916, Hughes's parents moved to the Aberdeen area in 1937 and Florence began to work for future husband Hugh Hughes as a housekeeper whom she met through her sister-in-law and husband.
"Hugh and I were married on September 12, 1940 and moved to Innisfail where we worked the Harry Kent farm until it was sold," said Hughes. "We moved to Taber in 1950, and came back to the Innisfail area two years later after my husband had an accident. We bought a farm east of town near Aberdeen in 1953, which we sold in 1974 and moved to 46th Street in town for good."
Florence and Hugh raised two boys, Alfred and Dorin, and two girls, Marie and Carol and have 12 grandchildren who still live in Bowden and Medicine Hat.
"My husband loved his flower and vegetable garden, and I took up ceramics and lapidary (stone settings and polishing) in our retirement," said Hughes who proudly displays the ceramics she made on display in her apartment. "We also travelled a lot in our motorhome to the eastern United States, the west coast, Alaska, fishing, and when we couldn't drive, we flew to Wales."
Her late husband was part of the effort to move the Bowden Train Station apart for the move to the Innisfail Historical Village.
The couple celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 1990 and credited hard work, togetherness, and a mutual respect for each other's opinion for a happy marriage.
"I think people have too much time on their hands these days and they don't work together like we had to just to get by," said Florence in a 1990 Province article.
Hugh Hughes passed away in 1998 on Jan. 8, three days after his 91st birthday and 58 years of marriage. Florence moved to Poplar Grove Court where she still lives independently.
"I sleep a lot," said the centarian of her days now. "My hips are sore but I still cook for myself, and get around with my walker. I have someone who grocery shops for me, and he is a great shopper. I also have a younger 93-year old neighbour, who helps me when I need something done like taking the garbage out."
Meanwhile, pictures of her family adorn the walls of her apartment, and a stack of photo albums waits for visitors eager to see a live that spans 100 years and a lifetime of memories.
The 100th birthday party for Florence will be held at the Latter Day Saints Church in Innisfail on Nov. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. Friends, family, and community members are invited to celebrate with Florence and enjoy a short program at 3 p.m.
