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Castlegar pioneer celebrates 100th birthday

Castlegar pioneer Mary Campbell celebrated her 100th birthday on March 22 at Talarico Place.
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Mary Campbell celebrates her 100th birthday with daughter Regina Stewart (back left) and niece Elena Garrison on March 22 at Talarico Place.


Castlegar pioneer Mary Campbell celebrated her 100th birthday on March 22 at Talarico Place. Mary was surrounded by friends and family including her daughter Regina Stewart, who travelled from Alamonte, Ontario. Mary received a big cake. She blew out the candles and her and her guests received cake.

Mary received birthday wishes from Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Canadiana Governor General David Johnston.

She was born on March 22, 1912 in Kamloops, B.C. to Ivo and Regina Arduini. When she was born King George V ruled over the United Kingdom, Sir Robert Borden was the Prime Minister of Canada and William Taft was the U.S. president. Also in 1912, the Titanic was built and sank on its inaugural voyage.

Mary and her husband Les (died 1977) arrived in Castlegar in 1946 from Trail to open the Castle Theatre, then in 1947 the Castle News went to press. They lived on Cedars Street (now 1st Street) and had two children - Burt (died in 1997) and Regina Stewart of Alamonte, Ontario.

Mary currently resides at Talarico Place under the loving care of their staff. She has five grand children and six great grandchildren.

She is a member of St. Rita's Church and belongs to the Catholic Women's League..