At 100 years old, Tecumseh’s Ursula Benoit had no idea the century mark was ever in the cards – never mind a large party to celebrate it.
Benoit, a former clerk for Canada Post and longtime member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, was celebrated at a birthday party at the Tecumseh Legion Branch 261 on Sunday afternoon.
The birthday open house included a strict policy of no gifts or flowers, only best wishes.
“I started in January to say I didn’t want anything; I wanted to just sit in my house, and if somebody would have liked to stop in and say hello, I’d have been happy, and we got beer in the fridge, they could’ve had a beer,” Benoit told CTV News.
However, the insistence of those around Benoit meant the party was a must.
Born in Windsor, she moved to Tecumseh at the age of one and never left town.
Her husband was a veteran, and together they raised two kids.
Benoit spent more than 65 years with the Ladies Auxiliary, where she never missed a fundraiser. Their efforts helped support the Legion and provide upgrades to the facilities.
When asked about the guide to living for 100 years, Benoit noted it was a secret she’s still trying to figure out herself.
“You know, everybody asked me that, who knows. I always said God doesn’t want me and the devil either,” Benoit grinned.
A monumental accomplishment was met with greetings and congratulations from dignitaries at all levels. Letters from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Governor General Mary Simon, and King Charles III sat on display.
Gary McNamara, Mayor of the Town of Tecumseh, and council members James Dorner and Ricardo Tonial honoured Benoit with a plaque extending their best wishes.
While the centenarian admitted she isn’t expecting too many more birthdays, her biggest life lesson was that you have to roll with the punches, no matter the circumstance.
“Whatever will be will be, and you have to take that because there’s no other way to go,” Benoit said.
