A little piece of Victoria history can be found nestled away in her Uplands home just south of the Saanich border. Shirley Tucker celebrates her 100th birthday Tuesday, and although a century of travels may have taken her away from the Island, Victoria always maintained a special place in her heart.

B次元官网网址淚 never thought about getting old, I just look forward to every day,B次元官网网址� said Tucker. B次元官网网址淚 just think IB次元官网网址檓 the luckiest person in the world to have a home here, and have my friends here. ItB次元官网网址檚 just made my retirement so pleasant.B次元官网网址�

Tucker was born in Yorkton, Sask., arriving Victoria just in time for her second birthday. However, the familyB次元官网网址檚 roots had already long been established in the area. Her great-grandfather, John Parker, came from England on the Norman Morrison, arriving in Esquimalt in 1853. Her grandmother Mary Ann Parker was born here, as were her father Walter Walker and brother Bill Walker.

Tucker left Victoria to begin her teaching career in Summerland in 1939. That career eventually took her to the U.S. where she taught at Oregon State and UCLA, marrying her husband Les in 1954. She went on to teach for 22 years at Ventura College. Following her retirement in 1981, Tucker settled back in Victoria, eventually returning to her home on Weald Road that her family has lived in since 1932.

B次元官网网址淚 really enjoyed my retirement here as much as anytime in my life,B次元官网网址� said Tucker, who is a regular fixture at the Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club and Goward House, where she plays bridge on most Wednesday afternoons.

She still calls the house on Weald Road home.

B次元官网网址淚 live here on my own. IB次元官网网址檓 better off here,B次元官网网址� said Tucker, adding family will often come to stay for a visit and her postman, gardner and taxi driver will regularly check to see how sheB次元官网网址檚 doing.

B次元官网网址淓verybody looks after me so well.B次元官网网址�

Tucker said thereB次元官网网址檚 no secret or special diet she can attribute her long life to. B次元官网网址滻f youB次元官网网址檙e being honest, you have to say youB次元官网网址檝e got good genes,B次元官网网址� said Tucker who is celebrating her centennial with a party Monday at UVicB次元官网网址檚 University Club.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 also going to tell these people that itB次元官网网址檚 because of them that IB次元官网网址檓 doing so well,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭hey keep me happy and keep me comfortable. They give me support whenever I need it. TheyB次元官网网址檝e all made my life so pleasant.B次元官网网址�

And even after 100 years, Tucker says she wouldnB次元官网网址檛 change a thing.

B次元官网网址淚 just thank my lucky stars.B次元官网网址�