WIKWEMIKONG—What started out as a journey to get fresh spring water from South Bay’s famous ever-flowing spring ended with a big surprise for Ida Embry, as family and friends gathered to celebrate her 90th birthday at the South Bay Community Centre last month.
Niece Marie Eshkibok explained that the surprise party had been planned, the food waiting, the cakes baked, but she just needed a way to get her auntie to the party. She thought of the freshwater spring that bubbles out of the ground near the South Bay church and used that as her hook. Driving by the community centre, with cars parked in almost every available space, Ms. Eshkibok asked her aunt if she wanted to stop by for an elders’ potluck she heard they were having. Ms. Embry thought this was a good idea and entered the log building to the sounds of the Happy Birthday Song, all for her.
“There were upwards of 100 people there,” Ms. Embry smiled, boasting of the cakes made by her great niece Amanda Eshkibok. “It was a tremendous surprise—my knees got weak.”
In honour of the occasion, Ms. Embry also received certificates of congratulations from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Governor General David Johnston, MPP Michael Mantha, MP Carol Hughes, who was also in attendance, and more.
Ms. Embry said that at age 89, “I took stock of myself. It just surprised me that I would be turning 90.”
The nonagenarian said she believes in standing up for Mother Earth and being a good Christian. “I attend TV mass every morning,” she laughed. She also keeps tabs on the news and right now, American politics specifically, as she has a daughter and grandchildren living in the States.
Ms. Embry said living a long life is helped by eating well, sleeping well, being active, writing “and having lots of friends.”
When asked about plans for her 91st year, Ms. Embry said she plans to take things one day at a time.
