The 13 centenarians from Lions Gate include 105-year-old Donald Fletcher and 102-year-old Susan Graham. They were honored during National Centenarian Day last month.
Lions Gate Continuing Care Retirement Community marked last month’s National Centenarian Day with a Sept. 26 celebration of 13 residents who’ve reached the milestone age of 100 or beyond.
The year saw a record number of centenarians in the community. The celebration was held at the Lions Gate’s Commons Hall and included local officials and families. Among the distinguished centenarians were residents who have lived through some of the most pivotal moments in modern history.
Donald Fletcher is 105 and one of the state’s oldest residents. Susan Graham, 102, narrowly escaped Nazi Germany with her family narrowly. Pearl Drelich, (Dec. 4 she will be 100) was a WWII Navy Reserve veteran and WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).
The celebration began with Mayor Michael R. Mignogna presenting each centenarian with a certificate of recognition.
“They are the treasures of our community,” he said. “Their stories and experiences have so much to teach us, and we are honored to celebrate their incredible journeys.”
As the 13 centenarians made their way to the stage, the room was filled with applause. The mayor acknowledged them with a personal touch, thanking them for their contributions to the community and inviting them to share insights into living a long life.
“I think the secret to a long life is to keep an even keel,” said Fletcher, the oldest resident at Lions Gate. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Manage the trials in life by keeping calm and carrying on.”
A former Presbyterian pastor and author of nine books, Fletcher has lived at Lions Gate for 17 years. Even at his age, he remains active, recently completing a watercolor painting, one of his newfound passions.
Graham reflected on her family’s ordeal and the importance of staying mentally engaged.
“If I keep my brain sharp, it keeps me moving forward,” she offered. “Reading, writing, doing art, going to classes and concerts – it all makes a difference.”
Drelich shared her memories of joining the Navy Reserves during WWII.
“I was only 20 years old,” she recalled, “but I wanted to do my part for our country.”
Lions Gate CEO David Thompson addressed the significance of celebrating the centenarians, who are part of the community’s 100 Club.
“People are living longer, and we’re incredibly grateful to have our residents with us for so many years,” he noted. “By celebrating 13 centenarians this year, we hope to remind them – and perhaps they feel the same – that age is truly just a number.”
As the luncheon concluded, the centenarians shared more advice for living long and fulfilling lives, including staying active, maintaining a positive attitude, and surrounding themselves with love and community.
Mignogna concluded the event by noting the value of the centenarians to the Voorhees community.
“Their stories are a living history lesson,” he emphasized, “and their wisdom is a gift to all of us.
For more information about Lions Gate, visit www.lionsgateccrc.org.
