Lucille’s 101st birthday party brings out memories

BY Dawn Rankins

Canyon Lake resident Lucille Blood turned 101 on Saturday and she celebrated as family and friends stopped by her home and enjoyed appetizers and drinks.

Lucille had some things to say about what someone does when they turn 101.

“Well first, you thank the good Lord for each and every day,” she said. “And then you join the Canyon Lake Pickleball Club.”

During Lucille’s 101st birthday celebration, she was presented with a 5-year club membership from the Pickleball Club.

Lucille Blood shows off her contortionist skills in her youth. She said she was taught how to make the contortionist moves by her father who was an acrobatic teacher. Photo provided by Steve Libring

The club decided that anyone who is in such great shape as Lucille is in and lives to exceed 100 years old should receive a free membership to the Pickleball Club. It is Lucille’s New Year‘s Resolution to start pickleball lessons in 2023.

“I get cold easily, so I want to wait until it’s warmer to start,” Lucille said. “In the meantime, I’ll go to the socials and potlucks while I’m learning to play.”

According to Steve Libring, membership director, there are several community members already in their 90s who are Pickleball Club members.

“It’s a game for all ages as these seniors are showing,” Steve said. “Lucille had been talking about joining the club last year after she turned 100, so we decided to make it official this birthday and gave her a 5-year membership.”

Canyon Lake Pickleball members Jeanette Williams and Steve Libring join 101-year-old Lucille Blood after presenting her with a club membership and equipment. Photo by Marga Kidd

During Lucille’s birthday celebration, Steve had an opportunity to ask her some questions about her life over the last 100 years.

Lucille was only 8 years old when The Great Depression happened and she remembers that experience.

“We had no money,” Lucille said. “My dad was partially blind and my mom would cook whatever we could get.”

When Lucille was only 16 years old, she met the man she eventually married.

“In 1937 I met Arlie, the man who would become my husband,” Lucille said. “In 1941 we were married and I had a baby. In that same year, on Dec. 7, Japan dropped bombs on Pearl Harbor and my husband went right down and signed up to be a pilot in the Air Force. He was shot down, captured and became a POW. I received that news in a telegram from the Air Force.”

Later, Arlie and Lucille were introduced to Canyon Lake.

“In 1968, Arlie and I went to a dinner in Palos Verdes where we heard a presentation about Canyon Lake,” she said. “We loved Canyon Lake for a weekend get-away now and again. In 1978, we decided to move here permanently. I love the people in Canyon Lake. I’m a people person and it is safe. Where else can I walk my dog at 10:00 p.m?”

The internet stands out as being one of the most technologically advanced changes in her life. She marvels at what she can do with her iPad.

“I am able to Facetime my kids and grandkids in St. Augustine, Florida from my iPad at my home in Canyon Lake,” Lucille said.

Lucille stopped driving only three years ago at the age of 98. Her bucket list consists of wanting to walk her dog, instead of driving the golf cart while he walks. Lucille said she would also like to play bridge again for some fun.

Lucille’s advice for the next generation to live a long life is, “Keep busy, keep moving.”

Lucille continues to inspire others. When she turned 100, she went bowling and bowled a 128.

“Lucille, you truly are a wonderful breath of life, keep doing what you’re doing.” Steve said. “You inspire all of us. We’ll just now call you Number 488.”

Lucille is officially the Pickleball Club’s 488th member.