Catherine "Katie" Hennemann conquered COVID-19 the same year she turned 100! Her only child, Deanna, is 80, and the two are very close. They always are so positive and love spending time with their family!

Friends and family are gathering at East Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center today to celebrate our lovely resident Cecil Butler's 104th birthday with a party in her honor.

Born and raised in Waterford, Pennsylvania, Cecil fondly recalls the best days of her life as being July 1958 when she married her husband, and the days her three children were born. In addition to being a caring wife and mother, for many years Cecil served as a secretary at St. Joe Valley Bank and also worked for GE International Harvester.

Cecil currently takes pleasure in coloring, word searches, listening to the radio, writing letters, and most especially playing scrabble with her daughter. When asked the secret to her longevity, Cecil humorously said to “keep smiling and watch what you say!”

As she celebrates this significant milestone, her resilience serves as a reminder of the power of the human spirit. Her story resonates as a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived and the enduring impact of service, family and community.

Happy 104th Birthday, Cecil!

Cecile Kirchner was a very active resident at Coventry Meadows, leading and participating in the daily activities whenever she could. She said there is no secret to her living a long life. She just lives each day doing what she enjoys. “I also think longevity runs in my family,” Cecile said.

Cedric Fowler turned 100 years on Election Day in 2016, but age is just a number to him. Right before his 100^th birthday he flew on a Warbird and would do it again in an instant. Mr. Fowler was born in Waynestown, Indiana and served in World War II in the Army Air Corps. After the war, he and his wife of 77 years, Dorothy, settled in Southport, where Mr. Fowler spent his career as an organ repairman, working statewide in churches and homes. The couple have a daughter together and three grandchildren.

West Bend Nursing & Rehabilitation celebrated resident Chester Kozlowski’s 100th birthday on Monday, September 4.

Chester was born on September 4th in LaPorte, Indiana. He served in the United States Navy in World War II, where he traveled the world to countries like South America, Africa and beyond. After the war, he spent his career working in oil fields. He enjoyed playing sports and loves watching baseball and golf on television.

Clarence Towns was formerly an endodontist. Such dentists have additional training to specialize in endodontic therapy, which involves treating the inner tissue of teeth. He also taught at the University of Illinois. As a hobby, he was a marathon runner. He ran in the Boston Marathon but didn’t start this hobby until he was 71 years old. His secret to longevity is exercise and having a balanced diet.

Cora Lehe was the first resident of Brownsburg Meadows when the community opened. Born March 4, 1917 in Manistee, Michigan, Mrs. Lehe is a 1935 graduate of Remington High School. She is the widow of Raymond Lehe and has four children, 10 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.

Her hobbies are gardening, flower arranging and painting. She was formerly very active in her church and the Order of Eastern Star.

Cora Saxon enjoyed volunteering in her church, gardening, baking, dancing, playing bingo and writing letters. She worked in the family farming business before marriage after which she became a homemaker. Mrs Saxon said, “I used to follow my dad while he would take care of business. Mom was so busy, so this helped her out. I always looked forward to going with my dad. At the end of the day, he would buy me a candy bar. I’ve had a great life.” Her advice for a long life: “Trusting in God and keeping busy.”