Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

Vibrant, funny, and with sparkle in her eyes, Antoinette Marchand is the picture of good health. She has been a dedicated and generous donor to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation for many years, supporting several different areas of care.  Antoinette turned 100 in June, and to help her celebrate, staff from the Foundation dropped by with cake and flowers to bring well-wishes to her and also her younger sister, Germaine, age 98.

Toni and Geri, as they are affectionately known by friends and family, never married and have lived together for almost 70 years.  Throughout their lives the two sisters have always made it a priority to give back to others, particularly through charities that support the needs of women, such as shelters that help women and children flee domestic abuse and, of course, the Lois Hole Hospital for Women at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

“Giving back to others may or may not be directly responsible for enjoying a long life ― but it sure makes any amount of time you are given very fulfilling,” says Antoinette with a smile.

Today, the two sisters still live independently in a quaint apartment where healthcare professionals are nearby if needed.  Up until last year, Antoinette still walked to Mass each morning.

Toni and Geri, as they are affectionately known by friends and family, have lived together for almost 70 years.

“Giving back to others may or may not be directly responsible for enjoying a long life ― but it sure makes any amount of time you are given very fulfilling.”

The two grand ladies were delighted with the visit by Foundation staff and regaled them with stories from their 'growing up' years during the 1930s when their family of nine farmed near the tiny French community of Forget, Saskatchewan.

“The depression was hard. It was a terribly tough time for our parents ― but you know, we never, ever went hungry. There was always something to eat,” recalls Germaine.

When asked if they did have a secret to longevity, both ladies said, "Good clean living."  And then both added with a laugh, “And a little drink of Scotch ― every day.”

The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation wishes Antoinette Marchand heartfelt Happy Birthday greetings and congratulations on her centennial years. Thank you, also, for the wonderful support that you provide to the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Senior Development Officer Terry Tobin (left) and Sharlene Rutherford, Vice President and COO of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation (right) help celebrate Antoinette Marchand's 100th birthday.