By Andy Hobbs, The Mirror

Olga Bouvier’s secret to longevity really isn’t a secret at all.

“No smoking. No drinking. And only one gentleman,” she said.

Bouvier, a resident of the Garden Terrace assisted living facility in Federal Way, celebrated 100 years of life April 22.

Friends from the facility as well as some family gathered for an afternoon of reminiscing that included laughter, cupcakes and music. Suzie Vendetti of Browns Point provided a-cappella renditions of classic songs such as “My Favorite Things,” “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” and “Amazing Grace.” The rest of the party-goers joined in to sing “Happy Birthday.”

Born April 22, 1908, in New Orleans, Bouvier fondly remembers meeting her husband, Lucien, aboard a dance boat on the Mississippi River. Lucien, who died in 1977 after 47 years of marriage, was a great dancer, she said. The couple had two daughters, Jeanette Lucienne Gray of West Seattle and Suzette Coleman of Enumclaw. Bouvier also has four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

During her working years, Bouvier was employed as a department store clerk, and also hung cables for Boeing during World War II. Her late husband’s job as a pastry chef brought them to Western Washington.

Bouvier also credits an easygoing attitude, sense of humor and a love for making friends as reasons for reaching her 100th birthday in good health.

“I’ve had a wonderful life,” she said. “I have no complaints.”

Contact writer:

editor@fedwaymirror.com.

Olga Bouvier’s secret to longevity really isn’t a secret at all.

“No smoking. No drinking. And only one gentleman,” she said.

Bouvier, a resident of the Garden Terrace assisted living facility in Federal Way, celebrated 100 years of life April 22.

Friends from the facility as well as some family gathered for an afternoon of reminiscing that included laughter, cupcakes and music. Suzie Vendetti of Browns Point provided a-cappella renditions of classic songs such as “My Favorite Things,” “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” and “Amazing Grace.” The rest of the party-goers joined in to sing “Happy Birthday.”

Born April 22, 1908, in New Orleans, Bouvier fondly remembers meeting her husband, Lucien, aboard a dance boat on the Mississippi River. Lucien, who died in 1977 after 47 years of marriage, was a great dancer, she said. The couple had two daughters, Jeanette Lucienne Gray of West Seattle and Suzette Coleman of Enumclaw. Bouvier also has four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

During her working years, Bouvier was employed as a department store clerk, and also hung cables for Boeing during World War II. Her late husband’s job as a pastry chef brought them to Western Washington.

Bouvier also credits an easygoing attitude, sense of humor and a love for making friends as reasons for reaching her 100th birthday in good health.

“I’ve had a wonderful life,” she said. “I have no complaints.”

Contact writer:

editor@fedwaymirror.com.