ST. ANTHONY, N.L. — Clarissa Ellsworth was surrounded with plenty of love as she marked a very special milestone.
On Feb. 1, the Roddickton woman was joined by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends, to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Many of them travelled from Ontario, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut for the momentous occasion.
Ellsworth, who has lived at the John M. Gray Centre in St. Anthony for the past three years, has nine children, over 30 grandchildren and countless great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Birthday greetings also came from Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Governor General Julie Payette, Member of Parliament Gudie Hutchings, Member of House of Assembly Christopher Mitchelmore, and Newfoundland and Labrador Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote.
Ellsworth’s son, Reginald, describes her as a very “genuine” person and devout Christian, who always cared for her children and was respectful to other people.
“She’s a great person to know and we love her,” he told The Northern Pen.
Background
Ellsworth (nee Clements) was born Feb 1, 1919 in Wild Cove, Canada Bay, N.L. where she also grew up.
Adulthood came early back then.
Ellsworth went to work as a serving girl at the tender age of 9.
On Nov 23, 1935, at the age of 16, she married Patrick Ellsworth.
They moved to Roddickton where Patrick worked many years as a camp foreman for Bowater. Meanwhile, Clarissa stayed home to raise their nine children.
“She looked out to us,” said her eldest daughter, Josephine. “She made all of our clothes, she was always busy. She made sure we all went to school.”
The couple lived together in Roddickton until Patrick passed away at the age of 100 in 2011.
For the past three years, Clarissa has lived at the John M. Gray Centre, a long-term and continuing care facility, in St. Anthony.
