107 Years of Grace: Mary Pilgrim on love & longevity

TAMPA (BLOOM) – Brookdale Winter Haven recently celebrated a monumental milestone—Mary Pilgrim’s 107th birthday. With her life spanning over a century of profound changes and challenges, Mary continues to embrace each day with a smile and the love of those around her.

A Century-Plus of Wisdom and Joy

Born in North Dakota on May 2, 1917, Mary Pilgrim has lived through eras that most only read about in history books. She spent three decades as a teacher’s aide, a role that kept her spirit youthful and lively. “What kept her young was working with children, and she loved them like they were her own,” says Jay Wilke, a representative from Brookdale Senior Living. Mary also ran a children’s group at her church on Wednesday nights, showcasing her dedication to nurturing young minds

Daily Life at 107
Mary’s routine includes the simple pleasures of watching game shows and enjoying baseball games. According to Jay, she’s “not here for entertainment, just here to relax,” a sentiment that captures her approach to her impressive years. It’s this laid-back and positive attitude that has endeared her to everyone in the Brookdale community.

Celebration of Life
The birthday celebration was a heartwarming affair filled with joy and admiration. Family, friends, and community associates took turns wishing Mary a happy birthday, each expressing amazement at her longevity. “The associates at the community consider it a privilege to serve her each day,” Jay added, reflecting the deep respect and affection they hold for Mary.

The Secret to a Long Life
When asked about her longevity, Mary credits her stubborn spirit, a life free from alcohol and smoking, and living by the Golden Rule—treat others as you want to be treated. These principles have guided her through life’s ups and downs and continue to define her daily interactions.
As Mary Pilgrim enters another year of life, her story remains an inspiration not only to those who know her but also to those who hear of her. Her life is a testament to the power of positivity, the importance of community, and the undeniable impact of living with kindness and gratitude.

Do You Know a Centenarian?

Do you have a family member, friend, or neighbor who has celebrated their 100th birthday? We’d love to hear from them! Bloom Tampa Bay is looking for inspiring stories of centenarians from Tampa and the surrounding areas to feature in our upcoming segments.

If you or someone you know has a remarkable story to share, please reach out to us. Share the journey of your loved ones who have reached this remarkable age, and let us celebrate their legacy together.

To submit a story, or if you’re a centenarian eager to share your journey and wisdom, please contact me, Brody Wooddell at bwooddell@wfla.com . We are excited to hear from you and potentially feature your story in our “Century Celebrations” segment.

Let’s honor the lives and contributions of our centenarians, making sure their stories and wisdom continue to enrich our community. Join us in celebrating these incredible milestones and the people who have achieved them.

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