While many local residents may live to see their 100th birthday, few can claim to have lived in Burnaby their entire lives. That’s what makes Mary Hawkins’ June 4 birthday so special. The centenarian was born and raised in Burnaby and still lives independently in her South Burnaby home that she bought with her husband in the 1950s. Hawkins, who enjoyed a long career as a professional puppeteer, retired at 75. She gathered with friends and family for a birthday lunch on Sunday at the Hart House, the same place where neighbourhood kids congregated decades earlier.
Q&A:
Congratulations on your 100th birthday.
Yeah, I feel good. I can’t believe I’m that old.
What is your secret for making it to your 100th birthday?
Well, one thing, I don’t worry. I think it’s a grave a mistake for people to worry about things. I just take day to day as it comes, you know. How does one not worry? That’s a hard things to do. It’s a waste of time. I put my mind on something else.
Can you tell me a little about what Burnaby was like before, when you were a child?
Well, it was a lot more rural than it is now, a lot of woods. I lived on Percival Avenue, and there were lots of trees and the roads weren’t paved the way they are now. Douglas Road was.
What kinds of things would you do when you were younger to have fun in Burnaby?
We used to go swimming in Deer Lake, and we used to go for walks, and just things kids do. I went to Douglas Road school.
What are the biggest changes you’ve noticed over the years in Burnaby?
People used to be clearing their lands, a lot of smoke, a lot of bonfires. … Of course it’s got a lot more traffic and a lot more people. It was a lot more rural when I was growing up.
I understand you were a puppeteer. Was that your paid profession?
Yes. I really enjoyed it, and it was well paid. I liked writing shows, and I like performing. ... It was fun. Everybody came to the shows.
