Irene Bradley celebrates 103rd birthday at Tiverton Park Manor

By: Liz Dadson December 19, 2015 1639

Irene Bradley celebrates 103rd birthday at Tiverton Park Manor

Irene Bradley isn't just getting older, she's getting better.

The resident of Tiverton Park Manor celebrated her 103rd birthday, Friday afternoon, surrounded by friends and family, as well as residents and staff of the Manor. Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie also arrived to bring greetings and congratulations from the municipality.

A beautifully-decorated cake, and bejewelled crown were made for the occasion by Jane Bonnett, an employee at the Manor.

Irene says she doesn't feel much different than she did at 102. "I'm just thankful to be able to get around."

Born Dec. 20, 1912, on the 2nd Concession of Huron Township, she is the daughter of John and Edith (Robb) Henry. She married Stuart Bradley in 1935 and they farmed on the Bruce-Kincardine Boundary, east of Tiverton, until they retired to Kincardine in 1966. They later lived in Inverhuron for 25 years, and Irene has been a resident of Tiverton Park Manor for the past eight years.

They had two children: Doris who married Ernie Young and lives on the 2nd Concession of Bruce Township; and Gordon who married Lois and lives in Inverhuron. Stuart died in 1998.

Irene has eight grandchildren: Jim (Rose Marie) Young, Bill (Nancy) Young, Brian (Kathryn) Young, all of Tiverton, Roger Young of Port Elgin, June (Laverne Walker) of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Linda Young of the 2nd of Bruce, Joan Bradley (Nick Bjelan) of Hensall, and Donald (Lisa) Bradley of Kitchener.

She also has 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Irene enjoys genealogy and is like a walking history book - she can tell you who everyone is in the neighbourhood and in her family, and how people are related.

Over the past 103 years, she has seen many changes, but the major ones were the installation of hydro in 1948, and the arrival of cars.

Irene is a member of Knox Presbyterian Church in Tiverton and was a member of the Women's Missionary Society there, and the Tiverton Women's Institute.

Now, she enjoys knitting and reading, shopping and going for tea. She is as sharp today as she was when she turned 100, and her friends and family look forward to celebrating her birthday next year.