Betty Thomsen with her family (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

HAPPY NEW YEAR

New year for all; new century for Kamloops’ Betty Thomsen

Dec 31, 2025 | 4:31 PM

KAMLOOPS — From the warm summer beaches of Australia to the cold winter air of London, two thirds of the world has already welcomed in the new year. 

2026 will undoubtedly begin for all with grand ambitions and plans for the 365 days ahead, and some may even attempt to stick to their resolutions for more than a week or two. However, as we all get ready for a fresh trip around the sun, one person in Kamloops is set to enter her second century, and helps bring a little perspective before the ball drops.

Betty Thomsen was born on December 31, 1925, to a family of 16 children in Carbon, Alberta, and she’s running full steam into a new century.

“I think we had a great time, lots of work, but a great time,” said Betty.

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She entered into a world that had yet to see the advent of penicillin, FM radio, or nylon.

“There is so many things, like TVs and cellphones, I don’t know,” she added.

No single invention from the past century stood out above the rest, but that truly was immaterial for Betty, who was focused on her life’s greatest gift.

“Well it’s certainly nice to have my family around me, I don’t know what I would do without them, they have been so great.”

Surrounded by that family on Wednesday (Dec 31) afternoon, Betty had a simple New Years’ message for all.

“Just get along with each other, that’s the main thing. Talk to each other if there is any problems, just talk about it, and that’s it.”