On Thursday January 6, 2005, Christine (Chris) Englund will celebrate her 100th Birthday.

With the land covered by snow and bitter cold temperatures outdoors a very special event happened in a small farm house in Dubuc, Saskatchewan on January 6, 1905. Yes, Kerstin Elizabeth Rosen was born to Ida and Olaf on that blessed occasion. WOW, just think about the events of the world and of her life since then!

Ida and Olaf were Swedish Immigrant farmers, struggling to make ends meet, just getting started on their farm and new life shortly after their arrival in Canada.

Christine was their first daughter and the first child to be born in the "New Land". Two older brothers were born in Sweden, thus she was the third child of what would eventually come to be 10 children: seven boys and three girls.

According to Eddie Englund(Chris' youngest son), Chris (she dropped the name Kirsten) was a big help to her Mother in raising her siblings and tending to many farm and household duties. She learned the meaning of hard work at an early age. In keeping with Swedish tradition, which calls for the women to milk to the cows, she learned quickly how to milk, emerging as the fastest bucket filler in the village. She also learned to be an excellent cook. A lot of cooking was of course necessary to satisfy the big appetites of the large family, especially the men, who worked hard, long days in the fields.

She came to the USA, (Seattle) at the adventuresome age of 19. Soon she met Ed Englund, also a Swede, with whom she fell in love. They were married when she was age 21 on November 27, 1926, seventy-eight years ago!!

She then began raising her own family, giving birth to son's Lars, Eric and Eddie (1929, 1931 and 1934 respectively). In the years to follow there were many fond family memories as well as difficult times. But, Chris and Ed managed to successfully nurture their three sons, launching them into the world to pursue their own lives, to get married and generate the many offspring, of which they were both so fond. Chris's Husband Ed, he is a proud Grandpa and Great-Grandpa , died in 1986, at age 98.

Now, as a widow for the past 18 years, Chris has over 60 descendants (in four younger generations - including spouses), and keeps close track of them all. She is truly the quintessential "Grand Matriarch" of the family giving love and guidance to all that know her, family and friends alike. All of Chris's siblings have deceased. But for a brother-in-law and sister-in-law she is only surviving family member of her own generation). She still lives in her own home with help from family and friends.

Of Chris' many wonderful traits, The Englunds family and relatives and friends admire most her unselfish generosity, keen sense of humor and positive spirit, all of which kept the family going during many of the tough times during the past century.

Everyone thinks she was the best cook in the west. Her Swedish meatballs were to kill for! She was and still is the real spark plug at all family gatherings. As the saying goes, "She always brought a lot to the party." (Both literally and figuratively, I might add).

She feels her long life is the result of many years of hard work and lots of love. Her optimistic spirit and keen sense of humor certainly played key roles, too.

POSITIVE things continue in her life today:

The highlight of her day is her "Happy Hour" at 5:00 PM sharp every evening. She nearly always has visitors, and enjoys a little sip of beer, just social, of course. (Maybe that's her real secret to longevity).

It is a blessing that the family has been able to keep Chris in her own home in the twilight years of her life. Her youngest son, Eddie, lives very close by and is able to visit and check on her every day. Because she is no longer able to be alone, Eddie makes sure someone is with her at all times and prepares a calendar showing who is scheduled for each day, including overnight. A wonderful team of caregivers has been assembled. These include several mature Christian ladies who are modestly compensated, along with volunteer family members. Eddie and Bobbie & Eric routinely spend nights with her each week. Debby Englund (Grandson Ron's wife - whom she regards as her private nurse) bathes her weekly. Debby and Granddaughter, Margie, also spend nights with her when their time allows. Son Lars, with wife Polly, who live in Selah, WA, always visit her and bring treats when they travel to the coast. Chris' niece Carole, is also a daytime helper who routinely helps and keeps her updated on the rest of the family. Grandsons Mike, Len and Steve are also frequent visitors and willing to land a helping hand.

If Eddie and Myrna are out of town, someone is still enjoying happy hour with Chris. Of course, she waits for phone call at 5:00 PM from Eddie or one of his brothers, who will call to greet their mother and make sure she is OK.

The Englunds and relatives and friends beleive that she is still able to be such an important part of their lives and it is blessing.

She is the most blessed women that I ever seen in my life.......I must say, she sure made American Dream Come True.......

I must say to all of you helpers (family, relatives, and friends), way to go. Keep up the good work! All of you are making differences for the world.........

It is positive to see Chris Englund is in good hand with her family, relatives, and friends. And happy hour continues......with full of love and care.....

About 150 folks will gather together at a reception to commemorate her 100th birthday. .

Reported By: Catch4all.com, Positive Site:Sandra Englund :November 22, 2004.