Alyce Bourassa holding a certificate by Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Red Deer-Lacombe, congratulating her for her 100th birthday. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By Alessia Proietti

Ahead by a century

“Be nice”: Words of wisdom by Red Deerian Alyce Bourassa on her 100th birthday

May 9, 2023 | 5:05 PM

After being on this earth for one century, Red Deerian Alyce Bourassa has one piece of advice for people: “be nice”.

On Monday, residents and guests gathered at Bourassa’s place of living, the Waskasoo Towers (4810 54 St), in honour of her 100^th birthday.

“I think people are nice, I always did, and why shouldn’t we?” she asked.

She walked into the packed room wearing silver and gold ‘Happy Birthday’ sunglasses, grasping everyone’s hand as she walked to her seat where she was presented with a large floral cake, handwritten cards from her friends and a certificate signed by Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Red Deer-Lacombe. Music was provided by a bagpiper alongside food and special guest Mayor Ken Johnston, who presented her with flowers on behalf of the City.

“We have to make a date, same time next year,” said the mayor jokingly, who started a tradition of personally congratulating locals for their century birthdays when elected into office. “Then I can say, ‘you don’t look a day over 100’.”

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“I’ll let you know,” responded Bourassa.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Bourassa was born on May 8, 1923 in a family of 14 children; seven sisters and seven brothers. She said she was blessed with a loving home, describing her father in particular as a very nice man.

She came to Red Deer after her husband found a job, creating a family of her own with two daughters and two sons, the latter present for her birthday celebration at the retirement home with their wives.

Bourassa said that having a family that was kind to each other and who didn’t fight was beneficial.

“To me, life was always good. Family, we all got along and I still say that helps. We always did, still do,” she said, stating she was lucky to have not had to face many problems in her lifetime.

Alyce Bourassa walks in to her birthday party surrounding by her two sons and their wives. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

Her son, Laurier, joked that perhaps his mother was one of the lucky ones but noted that all four of her children would agree on her love for others.

“Mom loves all children and they know it by the way she speaks with them, treats them and is very protective of them especially her own children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She has been healthy through her life and is a nonsmoker and occasional social drinker,” he said.

She added it’s important for people to “be decent” to each other, to children, to their bosses, and if they are a boss, to their employees.

“There’s always ups and downs but what else do you expect? I still say people are nice, I always have and I always will,” she said.

However, when unpleasant things did come up, she said while you can’t just walk away, you can choose to not “make a big thing out of it” and leave it alone.

Bourassa shared that while it is sad to hear that many people begin to feel physical and mental ailments from the age of 65, she, on the other hand, is doing alright.

“I got to say, it feels fine. I don’t know how come,” she said with a giggle.

She added that people should enjoy life and seize all kinds of opportunities.

“And behave yourself!” she said with a laugh that filled the room.

Alyce Bourassa blows out her “100” candles on her birthday cake on Monday. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)