“I love sunny mornings, long summer days, the smell of rainwater on the earth, and young children when they come home from school with all of their funny antics,” Ms Henry said on Friday, her 105^th birthday.

Being Friday, it was Scrabble day for Ms Henry and her friends at Anglican Care’s Carey Bay Gardens.

And being an avid reader, Ms Henry never fails to impress with her word play in the board game.

“I can’t see well enough to read now, but I still enjoy talking books,” Mrs Henry said. The book Eminent Victorians was a recent favourite.

“I like to see young children reading. You’re never lonely if you read.”

Mrs Henry said she celebrated her birthday by having morning tea with her son, Patrick, at Royal Motor Yacht Club, Toronto.

On Thursday night, Ms Henry was joined by neighbours and friends for dinner, where she enjoyed lobster.

“It was lovely,” she said.

In 1937, Mrs Henry married William John Henry (now deceased).

The couple had a daughter, Christine (deceased), and a son, Patrick.

Mrs Henry has two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

For 67 years Mrs Henry had lived in the family home at Coal Point. Her son Patrick and his family lived next door.

In the last 12 months, Mrs Henry has moved into care at Carey Bay Gardens where she has quickly become a very active participant in the facility’s activities and outings.

Melva Henry celebrates 104^th birthday at Toronto Country Club

Melva, 103, and the three Gs she lives by