Canada’s Eldest Citizen has just celebrated her 109th birthday!
Last May 28, the entire Les Résidences Soleil family proudly and joyfully gathered to celebrate a truly remarkable occasion!
From left to right: Mr. Eddy Savoie, Owner and Founder of Les Résidences Soleil; Mrs. Carmelle Savoie, Vice President of Les Résidences Soleil; Mr. Loïc Blancquaert, Mayor of Saint-Lambert; Ms. Nadine-Coïne Savoie, Director of Groupe Savoie; and Mrs. Carmelle Rivard, Les Résidences Soleil’ Eldest Resident and Canada’s Eldest Citizen.
Tributes to Canada’s Eldest Person
Not only longest-living resident of Les Résidences Soleil, but also Canada’s most senior citizen*!
Mrs. Rivard celebrated her 109th birthday surrounded by her twin daughters, Lise and Lisette, and their respective spouses; Mr. and Mrs. Savoie, owners and founders of Les Résidences Soleil; Mr. Loïc Blancquaert, Mayor of Saint-Lambert; Ms. Nadine-Coïne Savoie, Director of the CHSLD; as well as many residents and staff members of the CHSLD.
Mr. and Mrs. Savoie were present to offer their warmest birthday wishes, presenting her with a bouquet of flowers and a certificate of honor to mark this very special milestone, because in our eyes, the venerable age she has reached deserves to be celebrated!
“As the dean of our community, you make us proud. Mrs. Rivard, please know that the age you have reached commands the greatest respect. It is truly a remarkable achievement. All those who know you speak of you with the highest admiration. On this precious occasion, we extend to you, with our utmost respect, our very best wishes and congratulations on your 109th birthday!” — The Savoie Family, Les Résidences Soleil
Our celebrant also received a Certificate of Recognition signed by the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honorable Mark Carney, conveying his best birthday wishes.
The CHSLD staff members are full of praise for our centenarian, whom they describe as a great source of inspiration and a model of resilience.
Every day, she carefully reads her newspaper, participates in activities, bingo games, and Mass. Gifted with a phenomenal memory, she shows sincere care for others and immediately notices when someone is not doing well.
A model of elegance, joie de vivre, and perseverance, she also embodies the legacy of a generation of women who paved the way for those who followed.
“I never saw my mother grow old, and she is still here to listen to us and give us advice.” — As her daughter so beautifully put it.
The Odyssey of a Committed Woman
Through more than a century of history, Mrs. Rivard has lived through changing eras with remarkable determination, guided by a deep conviction that reflects who she is: “It is not the length of the years that matters, but how we choose to use them.”
Born in 1917 in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines into a family of five children, she was fortunate to receive a complete education at a time when this was still quite rare. Curious and eager to learn, this thirst for knowledge would remain with her throughout her life.
In her forties, she decided to learn English, then pursued training as an esthetician — a forward-thinking field for the time and a bold choice, when few married women dared to carve out their own professional path. Her children supported and admired her desire for independence, although her husband was less receptive to the idea.
From Running a Household to Running a Business
A few years later, the family moved to Saint-Lambert. There, at the age of 48, Mrs. Rivard opened her own home-based beauty practice and built a career of which she became very proud. However, her desire for independence was not universally welcomed. At 64, her marriage ended. For many, this would have been a devastating setback. For her, however, it became the opportunity for a new beginning.
“Slowly, like a rose blooming, Mom truly began to open herself to life — to her own life.” — As her daughter beautifully described it
Mrs. Rivard learned to manage her finances, became involved in politics, took all kinds of courses, learned Spanish, and traveled to Germany, France, Mexico, and many other places. She also discovered the joy of dancing with her friends, a passion she had never really been able to fully embrace before.
As the years passed, her energy remained intact. Up until her 100th birthday, she played golf and drove her car — activities she later gave up in favor of the long walks she cherished above all else, whether to run errands, go for coffee, or simply stay as active as possible.
At 109 years old, she reminds us that a life is not measured only in years, but in courage, curiosity, and the ability to keep opening oneself to the world.
A precious life lesson carried by an exceptional woman.
*According to publicly available sources as of June 1, 2026.