Sr. Thérèse Cadorette Joyfully Celebrates Her 100th Birthday

It’s not every day that you celebrate your 100th birthday! Everything, at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM), was in place to warmly celebrate Sr. Thérèse Cadorette, the newest centenarian in the community.

A Birthday Celebrated in the Spirit of Mary

On September 12, Sr. Thérèse attended Mass celebrated by Father Luc Munn in the MJM chapel. The date held a double significance, as it marked both her birthday and the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary. Special intentions for the centenarian were offered during the Mass.

In the afternoon, the festivities continued in the community room on the ground floor of the Saint-Charles Pavilion. In front of some 30 people, Marie Loube, the pavilion “animatrice” (companion), shared some of the major milestones in Sr. Thérèse’s life. With the help of a PowerPoint presentation featuring photos, everyone was able to follow her journey from her birth on September 12, 1926, in Chartierville, on Rang Verchères, to her life today at MJM.

Memories, Stories … and Hockey!

Memories and anecdotes quickly delighted everyone in attendance. As Sr. Beverley Wattling had recalled during the morning Mass, Sr. Thérèse is known for her “good sense of humour, her playful nature, her charming smile, and the twinkle in her eyes.”

And no portrait of Sr. Thérèse would be complete without mentioning her love of sports, from beanbag toss to Montreal Canadiens hockey.

Imagine her surprise when she discovered a very special gift: an official Canadiens puck bearing the inscription “100 Seasons”! The gift was arranged by Marianne Daudelin, the former activities coordinator, who passed away suddenly last May. Her thoughtful gesture added a particularly touching note to the celebration.

Celebrating 100 Years Surrounded by Friends

Tributes and gifts followed: chocolates, flowers, yarn, and a photo album were among the special treats prepared for Sr. Thérèse. A blessing from Bishop Claude Hamelin and several songs, including Pilgrims of Hope, were also part of the celebration before everyone shared in cake and refreshments.

Despite a change in plans, what mattered most was very much present: the joy of celebrating Sr. Thérèse and her journey of an entire century.

It was a celebration that truly reflected who she is: “a generous and energetic worker, a kind and cheerful companion who is a joy to live with.”

Photo coverage: Sr. Hélène Harvey