Amherstburg resident Barbara Robinson celebrates 100th birthday

Barbara Robinson receives a plaque from Mayor Michael Prue on the occasion of her 100th birthday. A party was held last Sunday. 

An Amherstburg resident celebrated her 100^th birthday on Tuesday, but a family party was held to honour her last weekend.

Family and friends of Barbara Robinson celebrated  her milestone birthday with her Sunday afternoon. While recognition from the Prime Minister’s office was displayed nearby, Robinson also received recognition from Mayor Michael Prue.

Robinson’s family includes five children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Born Sept. 16, 1925 in Regina, Robinson would move to Ontario but not originally to Amherstburg.

After moving to Fort Erie, she moved to Simcoe where she started to raise her family. Robinson came to Amherstburg in 1962.

Pam DiGiovanni, one of Robinson’s daughters, pointed out their mother worked at Amherst Quarries for one year before she moved over to SKD, where she worked in accounting for the remainder of her 25-year career.

Working in the community, and staying active with seniors, was what Robinson did in her retirement. She was the treasurer of the Fort Malden Golden Age Club for many years and was also voted the winner of the Gertie Kilgallin Award as Senior of the Year in 1997.

Robinson also served as the treasurer with Christ Anglican Church, where she still tries to attend Sunday morning services as often as she can.

One of the secrets of Robinson’s longevity is her family, she stated.

“I have the greatest family anyone could ever ask for,” said Robinson.

Robinson said she enjoyed her party last Sunday. She said she never imagined making it to her 100^th birthday.

“No, you never think that,” she said.

As a person who enjoys Sudoku, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, Robinson credits that for keeping her mind sharp. She said she is happy with her life overall.

“I have regrets but I don’t know anyone who didn’t have regrets,” said Robinson. “I did the best I could.”

Prue said people often ask those who live to be 100-years-old what their secret is, and believed it’s not just what they eat or what their genes are. He said a big reason is because of the friends and family who love them.

“You’ve lived a very good and full life,” Prue told Robinson.

Prue said it was an honour to represent the town and wish her a happy birthday, and pointed out that Robinson is still doing well for her age.

“This woman is as sharp as a tack,” said the mayor.

Amherstburg resident Barbara Robinson celebrates 100th birthday

By Ron Giofu