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Longtime Windsor resident Vivian Fontaine recently celebrated her 100th birthday, and the mayor made sure this centennial milestone did not go unrecognized by town leadership.

The Windsor Town Council’s Tuesday, May 14, meeting included an agenda item dedicated to highlighting Fontaine.

Windsor Mayor George Stubbs asked her to come forward and meet him at the council chambers podium, and he introduced her to the rest of the Town Council, town staff and citizens in attendance.

“For those that may not know who this lady is, this is Ms. Vivian Fontaine,” he said. “She’s been a citizen of the town of Windsor for 38 years. 

“She recently, on May the 3rd, 2024, reached the centenarian age of 100 years old,” he said.

He noted that she has also been recognized by some businesses in the area.

“We wanted to recognize her from the town and the Town Council’s perspective,” he said before turning to her and adding, “and (to) congratulate you and thank you for being with us this evening.” 

“Thank you so much,” Fontaine said.

Applause broke out from those in attendance.

Fontaine noted that family from out of state was watching the moment remotely.

Stubbs said, “We’re on Zoom tonight with her family. (Town Manager William) Saunders has had that set up.”

After photos were taken to commemorate the town’s recognition of Fontaine, Stubbs thanked her for coming out to the council meeting.

“It’s good to see you, and I’ll come by to see you again,” he said, noting to those at the meeting that he had visited her recently at her home. “Guess what she was doing?”

Stubbs, highlighting how active Windsor’s esteemed centenarian still is, said, “Ms. Fontaine had been in her flower beds in her yard that morning.”

“I forgot that I just turned 100; I thought I was still 99,” she joked, prompting a wave of laughter from those at the meeting. “I was exhausted.”

After the council meeting concluded, she shared with the Windsor Weekly what it meant to her to be recognized by the town.

“I’m a person that doesn’t like much attention, but it was wonderful,” she said.

She explained how she celebrated turning another year older this year.

“My family came from five different states to celebrate my birthday,” she said. “They rented a home, and there were 23 of us. It was wonderful.”