Community gathers to celebrate New Hamburg’s Gwen Zarnke’s 102nd birthday

Gwen Zarnke is surrounded by friends and neighbours following a surprise rendition of “Happy Birthday” by the Stonecroft Community Choir. Diane Danen photo

By Diane Danen

Friends and neighbours gathered at the home of Gwen Zarnke in New Hamburg to honour her on her 102nd birthday.

The surprise was organized by friend and neighbour Joan Stafford. Zarnke's sons, Martin and Ian Drake, took their mom out for a birthday lunch, returning home to an unexpected welcome. As guests waited, neighbour Judy Brown reached out to many in the community, inviting them to join the celebration.

Soon, the back deck was filled with well-wishers including the community choir, The Stonecrofters, also known as the Warblers. Neighbours enjoyed sharing stories and the chance to connect while awaiting the guest of honour.

When Zarnke arrived home, she was greeted with a beautiful rendition of "Happy Birthday" and warm wishes from a crowd of familiar faces.

Born April 17, 1924, in Essex, England, Zarnke moved to the Stonecroft community in New Hamburg 16 years ago at the age of 86. As a young woman in England, she trained in office work, learning shorthand, typing and bookkeeping. However, her plans changed with the outbreak of the Second World War.

Hoping to join the air force, she instead took a position in a munitions factory after her parents expressed concern, especially following the loss of her sister, who had been serving in the army.

“It was a difficult time,” Zarnke recalled.

At 21, she married and became a homemaker and devoted mother to her two sons. She was left on her own to raise her sons after her husband passed away. Her son, Ian, moved to Canada and in 1993, Zarnke and son Martin moved to Canada to reunite the family.  Zarnke lived with Ian in Baden for a year while searching for a home before eventually settling in New Hamburg in a house of her own.

Zarnke shared that she eventually met a nice man. Her granddaughter introduced her to Dr. Don Zarnke, an optician in downtown New Hamburg. The couple married in 2007 and moved to the Stonecroft community in 2010. Sadly, Dr. Don Zarnke passed away 14 years ago.

When asked about the secret to her longevity, Zarnke credits a simple lifestyle.

“Routine,” she said with a smile. “My boys laugh at me because I am so routine. I go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time.”

She also points to healthy habits.

“I like good food, no sort of rubbishy food. I don’t drink – well, I will have a glass of wine.”

Over the years, Zarnke has enjoyed gardening and spending time outdoors, along with memorable trips to the Canary Islands, Portugal, Gibraltar and Spain. Today, she spends her time relaxing on her back deck or indoors, where she enjoys working on puzzles.

Zarnke continues to enjoy life in her home and hopes to remain there as long as she is able.

“I have two wonderful sons who take care of me,” she said, noting the additional support she receives from Community Care.

Family remains at the centre of her life, with her sons visiting several times each week and, as Zarnke adds with a smile, “The boys call me every night.”

Surrounded by caring neighbours and supported by a close-knit family, Zarnke’s steady routine and positive outlook continue to serve her well. Those who gathered to celebrate her milestone birthday share the hope that she will enjoy many more happy times in the Stonecroft community.