Longtime White Rock resident Kathleen Courtney Anderson turned 100 years old on Oct. 18.

The centenarian celebrated the milestone birthday with her family and also received a letter from the Queen of England, the Attorney General of Canada and the Prime Minister of Canada congratulating her.

Born in the Point Grey area of Vancouver, Anderson raised two sons and two daughters and has 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grand children.

Prior to having her family, Anderson was a champion swimmer in both Canada and Australia. She also travelled the world, including exotic locales on a steam boat.

According to her granddaughter, Barbara Anderson Wagar, Anderson’s “most memorable saying” was “always keep your chin up.”