Sooke resident Beryl Gough celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends, family and community yesterday.

Gough, who resides at Ayre Manor, is originally from England and came to Canada with her family in 1948, when she was 27 years old.

She grew up with five brothers, one sister, and her mother, who was widowed. Two of her siblings stayed in England, but the rest moved to Canada.

Since living in Canada, Gough worked in health care for many years, before moving to Salt Spring Island. Later, Gough moved to Sidney, and then two years ago, finally moved to Sooke.

B次元官网网址淚 moved here because of my old age,B次元官网网址� chuckled Gough, adding that her best friend Mary Lepage lives here, which is another reason why she came to Sooke.

Though Gough never had children, she has multiple nieces and nephews, 17 of which came to visit her yesterday.

B次元官网网址淚 didnB次元官网网址檛 have kids because I was never married, and I never married because I grew up with too many brothers,B次元官网网址� laughed Gough.

Her nieces and nephews came from all over to attend the party, including Seattle, Vancouver, and even as far as England.

B次元官网网址淚t was absolutely wonderful, I did not expect it at all,B次元官网网址� said Gough, noting that over 50 people helped her celebrate, including Ayre Manor staff, residents, friends and community members.

B次元官网网址淭he party was magnificent, IB次元官网网址檝e never seen such a party.B次元官网网址�

Gough owes her longevity to being happy, singing, and taking life as it comes.

B次元官网网址淚 didnB次元官网网址檛 expect to live this long, but I have so many wonderful memories and have met lovely people,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 just enjoy what I can in life, and put up with what I donB次元官网网址檛.B次元官网网址�