Wearing a sparkling tiara and sipping tea from an elegant gold-rimmed tea cup covered in yellow flowers, Peggy Clawson celebrated a century of life among family and friends at Whitecliff Retirement Residence last week.
The long-time Peninsula resident enjoyed a slice of cake decorated with a vibrant pink flower on April 17, alongside best friend and caregiver Em, daughter Joanne Murray, son-in-law John, grandson Scott and his girlfriend, Nicole.
“It’s very special. It’s hard to believe there is 69 years between my mother and my son,” Joanne said.
The centenarian and avid walker, who Joanne notes has impeccable style, moved to White Rock in 1979.
She dedicated a quarter of her life working at Surrey Memorial Hospital’s Thrift Store as a buyer, choosing the gifts and products for the shop.
“She has great taste,” Joanne said, gesturing to her mother, dressed in a dusty rose cable-knit sweater and black slacks. “She’s the best sewer, the best designer and we’re so excited for her today.”
Lise Cooke, director of recreation at Whitecliff, laughed as she explained the days leading up to the milestone birthday.
“She has been asking what day it’s been all week and we all know why,” Cooke said. “She keeps telling us ‘I’m 96, I’m not going to be 100. I’m only 96 and that’s old enough.’”