Lessons in Living Well: Celebrating a Century with Three Remarkable Women at Oceana PARC 

Earlier this year, Oceana PARC celebrated an extraordinary milestone: three residents reached their 100th birthdays. 

It was a celebration worthy of the occasion, with a special visit from White Rock Mayor Megan Knight, who joined family, friends, fellow residents and PARC team members to honour these remarkable women – each with a lifetime of stories, accomplishments and memories to share. 

Willa Tweed, Evelyn Houston and Rose Ball have all called Oceana PARC home since 2019. They continue to live independently while staying active and socially engaged through PARC’s Active Living™ Program, as well as favourite weekly activities like bridge and mahjong. 

Their stories remind us that aging well is about more than reaching milestones – it’s about continuing to find joy, embracing new experiences and staying connected to the people and activities that bring purpose. That’s the philosophy behind independent living at PARC: creating an environment where residents have the support to focus on what matters most – from staying active to building friendships to pursuing passions and discovering new interests. 

Here are their stories. 

Willa Tweed: a life defined by adventure 

If there’s one word that captures Willa Tweed’s story, it’s adventure. 

Raised in Peace River, Alberta, Willa embraced an active, curious life from an early age. A talented athlete, she water skied until the age of 60. Alongside her husband, she explored Canada from their single-engine plane, and eventually earned her own private pilot’s licence. 

Her adventures weren’t limited to the skies. Willa lived in four provinces and the Northwest Territories, spent many happy winters as a snowbird in Yuma, Arizona, and dedicated decades to volunteering with a variety of organizations – most recently the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary. She also built a rich family life, becoming a grandmother to 8 and a great-grandmother to 15. 

That same zest for life continues at Oceana PARC, where Willa is an avid card player, a crossword enthusiast and never misses a chance to enjoy music and dancing with friends. Her story is a reminder that staying active is about remaining curious, engaged and open to new experiences at every age. 

Evelyn Houston: a journey of family, work and funEvelyn Houston: a journey of family, work and fun 

Born in Winnipeg in 1926, Evelyn Houston built a life rooted in family, hard work and a willingness to embrace whatever came next. 

She began her career with Canada Cement before moving to RBC, and later worked alongside her husband, Jack, in their family business. Together, they raised three children and built a life filled with shared purpose. 

Of all the stories her family tells, one has become a favourite: while riding in the family’s 1968 Mercury in Winnipeg, Evelyn watched her mother respond to a group of young men showing off beside them. With the Mercury’s powerful engine, her mother laid down a little rubber and left them thoroughly impressed – a memory that still brings a smile every time it’s told. 

At Oceana PARC, independent living gives Evelyn the freedom to spend her days connecting with friends, welcoming visits from family and embracing each new day. Surrounded by the people who matter most, she continues to show that a full life is measured not only in years, but in the memories shared and relationships that endure. 

Rose Ball: kindness as a lasting legacyRose Ball: kindness as a lasting legacy 

Born in Dodsland, Saskatchewan, and raised in St. Lazare, Manitoba, Rose Ball developed the qualities that would guide her throughout life: warmth, reliability and a strong work ethic. She built a successful career as a trusted secretary, earning the confidence and respect of everyone she worked with. 

In 1946, Rose married Harold, and together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage while raising four children. Her family has since grown to include eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren – a lasting testament to a life centred on love and connection. 

Those who know Rose speak not only of her kindness, but also of her wonderfully subtle sense of humour. Her gift for putting people at ease and offering encouragement brings a smile to whoever she’s with. 

When Rose moved to Oceana PARC in 2019, she quickly formed meaningful friendships and became a valued member of the community. Her story is a reminder that every stage of life brings new opportunities for connection, and at Oceana PARC, she continues to build relationships within a community rich with belonging. 

The next chapter 

Reaching 100 years is an extraordinary milestone, but the stories of Willa, Evelyn and Rose remind us that longevity is about more than the number of candles on a cake. It’s about the relationships we build, the experiences we embrace and the moments that give life meaning. 

Across a century of experiences, these women have stayed active, nurtured meaningful connections, contributed to their communities and found joy in everyday moments. Their stories celebrate resilience, curiosity and the pleasure of continuing to embrace life at every age – a philosophy at the heart of independent living at PARC. 

Visit Oceana PARC to see for yourself to see why so many seniors have embraced their active, independent lifestyle. Book your personalized tour today or call Bette at 236.335.8645.