'She's a trooper': Survivor of Herron care home crisis celebrates 100th birthday

Forty-seven seniors died during the COVID-19 pandemic after they were abandoned at the Herron care home in Dorval, Que. Antonietta Pollice survived. And on Saturday, she celebrated a milestone: her 100th birthday.

Forty-seven seniors died during the COVID-19 pandemic after they were abandoned at the Herron care home in Dorval, Que.

Antonietta Pollice survived. And on Saturday, she celebrated a milestone: her 100th birthday.

Her family knew they had to make Pollice's birthday a special one, especially given the last few years.

"I'm telling you, she's a trooper," Pollice's daughter, Patrizia Di Biase, told CTV News.

Pollice survived both the long-term care home (CHSLD) crisis and the virus itself. She was sent to hospital for five days after contracting COVID-19 but pulled through.

"The fact that we can celebrate it and have a drink with her, have a piece of cake, and -- her favourite -- have a cup of espresso with her, is something."

The centenarian's closest family and friends surprised in the basement of the long-term care home where she now lives.