My great Aunt Jean turned 100 years old last week. I asked her 5 questions.
Where were you born?
I was born in Vancouver, Canada in 1914. When I was 8 my family moved to Oshawa. I had 16 dolls and my mother told me there wasn't enough room to take them all so she stood on the corner and gave them to little girls and told them not to tell Jean. To get to Ontario we took the train and then a ship. I shut that whole ship down when I got measles. Quarantined the whole thing (laughs hysterically).
Tell me about your husband.
My husband Jack died half a century ago. He was a navigator in the Lancaster Bomber and went on 45 missions during World War II.
Would you like to save this stuff?
We'll email you this post, so you can refer to it later.
What was the very first movie you went to see and what movie star did you have a crush on?
What?! That was a really long time ago. I have no idea (hysterical laughter). I don't remember who I had a crush on! Charlie Chaplin, I guess. I used to go to the movies all the time. My father owned a menswear store downtown and the theatre was right across the street so I'd go visit him and he'd give me money to go to the movies to watch a show and buy candy. If I wasn't at the movies, for fun I'd talk to all the construction workers around my house and if they weren't around my mother could always find me in the one room school house across the street sitting beside the teacher.
If you could only have 1 beauty product what would it be?
Lipstick and wrinkle cream. I started using wrinkle cream a year or two ago. I just buy whatever's on sale. I don't think those ones on television where they want you to call in right away are any better. Just buy the stuff that's on sale.
What do you want for your birthday?
An iPad. I really want an iPad. If no one gets me one I'll just go to the Apple store at the mall and pick one up. It's only money.
You can say that because you're 100!
(Laughs hysterically.)
Have a good weekend. Make it count.
mimiindublin
What a woman!
Apple should give her an iPad and get a photo!
I think she's very like you Karen, made of good, strong stuff. Aunt Jean is a legend (as are you)!
Karen
I think that's a great idea! Now ... to get ahold of Apple ... ~ karen!
dawn
Happy century!!!!!
You look fabulous!!!!!
Thank you for sharing this great woman with us. I can only hope to live that long, be that gorgeous, and be so sharp.
marilyn
we can all take a leaf from aunt Jeans book..live life!
Christy
It is amazing to know someone who turns 100 years old, let alone a family member. My grandmother turned 100 this past June. She still does cross word puzzles, lives alone (has check up visits and her son stays with her 3 days a week) and has outlived all her ex-husbands and one of her three children. It looks like 100 is the new..........70? 80?
Kathleen
What a grand lady!
Shauna
Hysterical that she started using wrinkle cream 1 to 2 years ago! I'm thinking she is good to go at this point.
Gail
Laugh on!!! That's probably how she got to 100, enjoying life and laughing; the BEST medicine!!! Loved this post ( You clean up good, too))!!
Kate
Aunt Jean sounds like a hoot - you're obviously related. Plus, I also moved to Oshawa as a child - it's the cradle of awesomeness, amirite?? Seriously though, great post. You (and Aunt Jean) are loved here in Gainesville, Florida!
Maggie V
Awesome woman and dressed to kill. You go Auntie Jean. Love your dress as well Karen.
Donna
I want more from Aunt Jean--she looks fab!!
Ev Wilcox
Someone please buy that woman an IPad! Karen, I think you are her! Funny, prob outspoken, not afraid of new things. How many people at 100 years want an IPad-you would! And a woman to boot-they were not too progressive a 100 years ago! What a treasure!
Theresa
THANK YOU!!!Aunt Jean and Karen - this litle interview just gave me such a boost! - heres to a 101!
Sherri
Beautiful women must run in your family!
Sandy
Your aunt has truly been Blessed. You should ask her what she thinks is the key to a long life. It would be interesting to hear what she had to say. Interview her as often as you can, Karen. She is great!!
Nancy Blue Moon
That is a wonderful picture Karen..you should have it put on canvas..what pretty ladies..from what I know of you I'd say that Aunt Jean got her IPad..she is so amazing..please give her a hug for me..
JeannieB
What a lovely picture of you both! Not many of us will get to celebrate our 100th. You are so lucky to have such longevity in your family. Aunt Jean will love her new iPad for sure.
Gretchen Sexton
We all need to have her sense of fun!
What a treat!
Feral Turtle
I hope someone got Auntie Jean her IPad! Maybe she will start a blog of her own!
Judith A. Ross
What a treat -- and a privilege! Thank you, Karen.
Suzan
What a treasure...and a snappy dresser!