Ida Prette Turns 100

Laurie Mueller, M.Ed

On January 28, Ida Prette turned 100 years old, and family from across Canada, her friends in Victoria, and fellow residents at the Glenshiel attended her birthday, as well as the mayor of Victoria. Prette may be 100 years old, but she didn't let a little thing like age stop her from being the organizer of her own party! Prette came to Canada as a war bride. Having met her husband in England during the Second World War, she boarded the ship Lady Nelson with a group of other war brides and came to Canada. On her train ride across Canada to meet her beloved in Victoria, she took a detour in Saskatchewan to visit his family in a small rural town.

Once she was settled in Victoria, she never left. She has lived in Fernwood. In 1955, when Prette married her second husband, she acquired a large family, many of whom attended the Jan. 28 party.

Many residents of the area will know the centenarian from her involvement over the years with old-time dances at Centennial United Church, the five-pin bowling league with the Esquimalt Silver Threads, and her volunteer work with the Fernwood Glow Seniors Group.

The Glenshiel will also be the location of a 101-year birthday party in February and another 100-year birthday party in July.