Jeanne Domingue holds a new Build-A-Bear that her son, Garry, gave her as a birthday present. The Bear is dressed in overalls like her husband Robert loved to wear. Also, when the Bear speaks, she hears the voice of her late husband speaking.
Jeanne Domingue’s five children arrived from different parts of the country to celebrate her 100th birthday. Her children are (left to right), Ron Domingue, Rita Domingue DeBries, Michael Domingue, Garry Domingue and Clare Domingue.
Jeanne and Robert Domingue on their wedding day, nearly 80 years ago.
100-years-old: Domingue takes life ‘one day at a time’
What do you do when you turn 100? You celebrate with your children, of course. And that is what Jeanne Hebert Domingue did on her milestone birthday.
Domingue celebrated with her five children at Woodbriar Assisted Living in Maurice.
She is not surprised to reach the 100-year mark because she has had relatives live to 102 and 103 years old.
“I am 100 years old today,” said Domingue. “All my kids are with me, so I am very happy.”
Her children traveled from Florida, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona to share in this special occasion.
Her children are Rita DeBries, Michael, Garry, Ron and Clare Domingue.
They ate with her at Woodbriar Assisted Living, where she is the oldest resident.
She was born in Parks, Louisiana, and graduated from SLI (now the University of Louisiana). While married and living in Lafayette, she worked different jobs and enjoyed volunteering at her church and other hospitals. In addition, she was active in the Catholic Daughters.
She was married Robert Domingue until he died in 1995. He was 79. After that, she lived alone and still drove until she was 91. She has lived in different assisted living facilities for the last few years.
Domingue has lived throughout modern history from the Great Depression, World War II, the segregation era, the first moon landing, and much more.
Domingue advised on what it takes to live to be 100.
“Live one day at a time,” she said. “My faith has seen me through. I have been blessed in many ways. I have friends and have traveled. I have accomplished everything in life I wanted. I am happy.”
Domingue has survived COVID in the last two years. She was active until she fractured her kneecap and is in a wheelchair today.
She added, “I take things as they come. My life has been fulfilled. So I will accept whatever comes my way. That has been the hardest thing - acceptance.”