Kay Rempel and Marie Chipilski might be 98 years old, but the identical twins say they still have some growing up to do.
“We should think before we speak,” Rempel said.
“That’s the problem,” Chipilski added without hesitation. “That’s why we have to stay here longer.”
Cracking jokes, often at each other’s expense, comes easily for the bubbly sisters, who say they have the good fortune to live independently but across the hall from each other at a 55-plus residence in Grunthal, Man.
Earlier in the week, the twins were invited to the Manitoba Legislature to mark their 98th birthdays.
Their MLA, Konrad Narth, read a speech, all politicians gave them a standing ovation and the sisters got certificates to recognize nearly a century of living.
WATCH | Twin sisters making wisecracks for 98 years
98-year-old twins grateful to be cracking jokes, living next door to each other
Narth said the two “firecrackers” are best friends who enjoy joking around.
The twins say they’re often complimented for their witty humour from family, friends and even strangers.
“They say we’re different — we’re foolish,” Chipilski said, adding she believes frequent laughter is key to their longevity.
The sisters have also prioritized enjoying life, loving others and their Christian faith, rather than the predictable explanations for a long life, such as regular exercise and a good diet.
“I never did eat healthy,” Chipilski said.
The sisters grew up on a family farm near New Bothwell along with 10 Friesen siblings.
The twins always got along smoothly.
“We never fought or anything,” Rempel said.
“But now it’s a different story,” Chipilski quipped.
They later got married and had kids, and their lives took different paths. Chipilski took over the family farm with her husband, while Rempel was busy selling flowers and volunteering at church.
Rempel was the first to move to Grunthal, settling in a 55-plus residence after her husband’s health took a turn. Eventually, her neighbour across the hall moved out, and Rempel invited Chipilski to move in.
“I’m sorry I did,” Rempel joked.
Both widows have spent more than 20 years living across the hall from each other.
They joke the doors between their rooms are kept shut, but they spend time together daily, watching game shows and cooking shows on television, and trading barbs.
“We feel like one,” Chipilski said, so much so that “we have never ever given each other a hug.”
It would be like hugging yourself, Rempel said: “There’s no use.”
Although Chipilski is going through cancer treatment, both she and Rempel say they feel great physically. They walk around their homes without assistance, and it helps that they’re still sharp mentally.
The sisters say they have more life ahead of them.
“I love my children too much yet,” Rempel said.
“I mean, it doesn’t matter how much we love them,” Chipilski added. “Someday we will go — we all have to go — but I guess God isn’t finished with us yet.”
They hope to return to the legislature for their 100th birthdays.
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