Mary Keating’s family hosted a party on Dec. 8 to mark the family matriarch’s 100th birthday.
The Elora Legion was decked out for the party on Sunday, with Keating taking centre stage and welcoming friends and members of her large, close-knit family.
Born on Dec. 12, 1913, the community’s newest centenarian is known for having an active lifestyle from her home at Wellington Terrace and also for her quick wit and sharp mind, even though her hearing may have diminished some with age. She’s also known for never turning down an invitation to take part in any function or gathering.
When asked her secret to a long and healthy life, Keating is quick to point out, “lots of hard work and good food.”
At the age of 21 she married Frank Keating who passed away 32 years ago. The couple eventually took over the family farm.
“I was born on that farm and married on that farm on the 8th Concession of Nichol Township,” she said.
The pair would eventually have six children: Leola (Molto), Jim Keating, Eddie Keating, Al Keating, Anne (Curtis) and Linda Keating. All live within close proximity to the home community and their mother.
“We haven’t travelled too far,” Linda Keating said at the party.
Mary Keating said she has seen many changes and both hard times and good times over her 100 years, but it was a snowstorm some 50 years ago she recalls most vividly.
“Dec. 8 we had such a bad wind storm with snow,” she recalled. “The wind blew for three days and we had to dig out every morning from the house to the barns where we had cattle, pigs and hens.
Fortunately the family was well prepared with food to weather the storm.
According to one granddaughter, Mary Keating told her she would be prepared to live another 100 years and is enjoying her life at the Terrace.
According to Mary Keating, when living at Wellington Terrace was first proposed she objected to it. However, after moving there she is finding it a “wonderful” place to live.
At Sunday’s party there was a steady stream of well wishers and family members celebrating Mary Keating’s milestone birthday with her.
