ST. PAUL – Evangeline St. Jean sat in a comfortable armchair, surrounded by her two daughters and nieces, beaming with joy as they wished her a happy birthday, last week.
St. Jean celebrated her 105th birthday at Extendicare in St. Paul on Feb. 27.
Louise Morley looked at her mom and said it was a wonderful feeling. “Having spent so much time with her. We’ve been so lucky to have her with us for that long.”
“We love visiting Mom,” said Claire Mercier, St. Jean’s other daughter. She laughed and said, “She still very much... you know... has an opinion and is very alert.”
St. Jean sometimes watches the television or listens to audio-books to pass the time.
"Aren't you gonna ask her what’s her secret to longevity?” Mercier asked.
When asked, St. Jean smiled and jokingly said, “The best thing I can tell you is just don’t stop breathing,” much to her family’s laughter. “As long as you’re breathing, you will live.”
