Louise Bailey ordered 104 birthday cards to celebrate her 104th birthday on February 1, 2024.

Members of her community and from around the world shattered those expectations after she received more than 1,500 greetings and cards.

Bailey said, "I have many friends, everyone here, as far as I know, are my friends."

Clarenville Retirement Home in eastern Newfoundland receives cards daily. Staff at the center said about 100 more arrived on Wednesday, and they take the time to read each note individually to Bailey, even if it takes weeks.

Bonita Taylor, who works with Bailey as a personal care hostess at the nursing home, said: “She is a wonderful person,” "very easy to live with. She loves everyone, and she doesn’t have a bad word to say about anyone."

The staff were amazed at the number of birthday wishes received, from far places like Dubai, Germany, and Alabama.

The first batch started arriving shortly after the nursing home posted Bailey’s birthday wish on their Facebook page in early January.

"I thought if they wanted to send me a card, I’d send it to them!" Bailey said. "I love them. I love birthday cards."

There are cards from relatives, a message from the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador—but Bailey’s favorite are the notes from children in schools.

Bailey has lived near Clarenville all her life. She was married and owned two large stores in the area.

Taylor said: “It was just her and her husband,” very well known by everyone, as far as I think, in this part of the peninsula."

She is a church and music lover—she started playing the organ for the first time at church when she was about 12 years old.

Bailey explained: "I played the organ at Easter." "I took it at that time and kept it. They didn’t let me leave."

She even took it with her to the Clarenville Retirement Center when she moved there and continued to play the electric piano, after the organ broke down, until she turned one hundred years old.

Staff at the center said her personality is still bright, lighting up the room whenever she enters.

Taylor added: "I can’t even describe it." "As if she’s one of those residents you’ll never forget. As if she’s just an extraordinary woman everywhere.

Bailey said she doesn’t have a secret for a long life, just advice on how to treat others.

"Be kind to people, they will be kind to you. That’s my secret."