The Airdrie community came together July 3 to celebrate a momentous occasion as Hilda Pelzer marked her 100th birthday in grand style.
The event, held at the Woodside Seniors Club, was a heartfelt tribute to a woman who has lived in the area for almost two decades.
Pelzer was born in Winnipeg, Man., but lived for much of her life in Saskatchewan before relocating to Airdrie in 2004 to be closer to her family.
In her younger days, she travelled to various places across North America, including Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver, Texas, and Mexico. Her birthday celebration on July 3 was full of warmth, laughter, and nostalgic reflections, as she recounted her past adventures and mishaps, providing ample material for lively storytelling.
Friends and family members gathered to honour Pelzer and to share in the joy of reaching such a significant milestone. The atmosphere was vibrant, as loved ones surrounded her with a memory wall, commemorating the occasion and cherishing their shared experiences.
Reflecting on the celebration, Pelzer's granddaughter, Kim McKelvey, expressed delight at the success of the event. She noted that Pelzer's presence endured from 1 until 11 p.m. that night, demonstrating her dedication to enjoying every moment of the celebration.
“She is someone that is so content with life and never sweats at small stuff,” McKelvey said, adding between 50 and 60 people attended the birthday party. “She is just happy with her day-to-day routine and happy to be around family.”
Pelzer, who has witnessed many generations thrive over the years, expressed her hopes of continuing to make cherished memories in the community she holds dear. Currently, she keeps herself engaged by doing word searches, watching her favourite shows, and reading books. Additionally, she harbors a fondness for lottery scratch tickets, eagerly awaiting her chance to win big.
McKelvey described her grandmother as possessing a positive attitude and an unwavering can-do spirit.
“There are four generations [of our family] living in Airdrie and she hopes to keep making memories here,” McKelvey said. “We always ask her what the secret to life is and she always goes to say ‘be happy and be content with what you have.’ That’s what she’s always gone by.”
Pelzer’s centenary milestone serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit that thrives on adventure and family. Her 100th birthday celebration not only honoured a century of life but also embodied the essence of unity, resilience, and gratitude. As friends and family enjoyed the occasion, Pelzer's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations, encouraging them to embrace life's challenges with open arms and celebrate every moment with boundless love and gratitude.
“She always goes with the flow, she is just a very simple lady who just loves life,” said McKelvey.
