Charlie, historic resident of this small village in Eure, celebrated his hundredth birthday

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Sunday November 10, 2024and centenary was celebrated in the village of Villez-sous-Bailleul (Your).

Charles, Charlemagne, Léonard Gendrey, known as “Charlie” was born on November 4, 1924 in Le Gosier in Guadeloupe. He arrived in Paris at the age of 20. “It’s been 80 years since I arrived in mainland France,” Charlie remembers.

His father-in-law had bought a house in Saint-Pierre-de-Bailleul during paid leave in 1936.

Arrived in the village in 1963

With his family, they came there regularly for weekends and, in 1963, with his now deceased wife, they decided to buy a house in Villez-sous-Bailleul.

While still living in the Paris region, Charles Gendrey carries out numerous works there during the weekends he spends in this Norman village. He ended up settling there permanently in 2013.

On the professional side, the centenarian has made all his career at the RATP. “I was a bus controller. I was even my boss' driver at the end of my career,” says the man who can no longer walk but still has an excellent memory.

I have been retired for 40 years.

Charlie had four children and two of his daughters are still with him. Even though he is now in a nursing home retirement, since 2021, he returns regularly to his house.

Some weekends with children or grandchildren: he has seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A family celebration

On the occasion of his hundredth birthday, his family had prepared a party for him on November 10.

In the village hall, friends and family were gathered to the great pleasure of Charlie who was smiling, happy with this celebration. Marie-Odile Andrieux, mayor of the town, was also present to honor this resident who appreciates the town for 61 years.

A friendly moment around a man appreciated by all.

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