Mabel Dermody is an inspiration to all that know her.
A resident at the independent apartments at KinVillage for the past six years, she marked her 100th birthday on Dec. 22.
Her family and friends were on hand in November when KinVillage threw her a huge birthday party. Her actual birthday day was marked with a dinner at her sister Shirley’s home in South Delta.
Dermody is still active in her community, including at KinVillage where she works a weekly shift every Friday in the Unique Boutique. She has been volunteering there for more than 10 years.
“I enjoy it. I love helping out and giving back,” she said. “It’s the people too. I love the people. I look forward to my shift every week.”
Dermody lived in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»for most of her life, with a 30-year career in customer service and sales at The Bay, which would explain why she loves working at Unique Boutique.
She stays fit as a fiddle with regular walks around the community – sometimes twice a day.
She credits those walks, and good family genes, for her longevity.
“My dad lived until 102. He walked a lot,” she recalled. “He taught us the importance of being active, so that’s always stuck with me.”
Jennifer Kormendy, manager community centre and volunteer engagement, said Dermody is an inspiration.
“She is amazing. A real inspiration around here,” said Kormendy. “To reach 100 and still be volunteering is quite something. Mabel always looks so well put together. She is always out and about and active. To be able to reach that age and still be actively involved in her community is really special. She is always upbeat and has a smile.”
Unique Boutique coordinator Jean Gardener said Dermody is a huge part of the store.
“Everyone just loves her,” said Gardener. “She stands here at the counter, does the bagging and will take over the cash register if she needs to. She is very important to us and she is here once a week every week.”
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