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Kelowna resident Gertrude Johnson turned 105-years-old today and celebrates a birthday that very few have the opportunity to.
Born and raised in Kelowna, the Okanagan native has spent her life in the valley and has played a significant part in the shaping of the Kelowna community.
Her daughter, Wendy Cowley, described her as very active in her youth: playing basketball, golf and curling while also being a dancer and a track and field enthusiast.
In her many years in Kelowna, she has developed some wonderful life experiences, one being her skate across the Okanagan Lake in the 1930’s when the water had completely frozen over, something very few can attest to.
Additionally, she has made her mark in the El Dorado hotel in Kelowna. She and three other women rowers are posted in a photo near the hotel's washrooms.
Cowley also noted Johnson’s kind nature and easy-going attitude that she has held onto over her long life in Kelowna.
"She was always a happy person and she always gave to everybody, including the community. She did all kinds of things to help out around the community."
In recent months, Johnson fell ill and doctors told the family that she didn’t have much longer to live. The family came together to voice their last goodbyes.
Miraculously, Johnson improved and allowed the family to come together again to celebrate her birthday at her old stomping grounds, the Kelowna Golf and Country Club.
Her granddaughter, Kendall Cowley, noted that this 105th Birthday she would accomplish a feat that few have even considered. Johnson has gone through her champagne birthday, twice.
A champagne birthday occurs when one’s age matches the day they were born. Born on May 5, Johnson has experienced her champagne birthday when she was five-years-old, and now, at 105-years-old. Generally, one has some champagne on their champagne birthday (if they're of age).
When asked if Johnson would follow up with her daughter's implications at a glass of champagne, Cowley responded for her, stating with a laugh, "she usually has rye and water."
“But, I'm sure she'd have champagne."
Happy 105th Birthday Gertrude “Gertie” Johnson!
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