Imagine navigating life against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, the Great Depression, two world wars, the Space Age, the Digital Age and many other historical events. The remarkable centenarians we serve and have been privileged to serve garnered a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that only living 100 or more years can bring.
What a privilege it is to share their amazing stories and valuable advice. We invite you to scroll through this photo album honoring some of the wonderful Centenarians we’ve been privileged to know.
Select A Community:
Martha Bymaster
Martha was born in Lizton, Indiana. She graduated from Lizton High school in 1934. She grew up on a farm and as a young girl her father told her that she was not allowed to date until she was able to catch a chicken, kill it and fix it for dinner!
A mother of four, Martha has 10 grandchildren and “too many great-grandchildren to count.” She loves her big family and says it has always been the most important thing to her.
Mary Bartlett
Mary Barlett is a 1930 graduate of Tunnelton High School. She took business courses in Bedford and was a manager of the Kroger store in Mitchell. Mrs. Bartlett loves cooking, sewing, gardening, square dancing and reading. Her advice for a long life is five ounces of red wine daily and to lead a good, clean life.
Mary Bird
Mary Bird is a loving member of the community, and she’s always wondering about how others’ days are going. She’s an absolute joy to talk to and is always willing to tell a story from her life. She is truly loved by all.
Mary Comella
Mary Jane Comella was born in Indianapolis and has lived here all of her life. She has two children, seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She worked during earlier years for her father at the Jardina Produce Company. She enjoys cooking, bowling, reading and traveling. Her advice for living a long life: “Stay active and just keep going.”
Mary Hurt
Mary was born on April 2, 1919, in Summer Shade, Kentucky. She has lived in Wabash since 1944. She was married to her husband for 49 years, and together they raised five children.
Throughout her long lifetime, Mary has found joy in simple pleasures and pursued her passions with enthusiasm. For work, she did ironing and laundry for people. She also would do some gardening and housecleaning for neighbors when needed. When asked about her hobbies, she expressed her love for quilting, gardening and canning. She also loves to read her Bible and complete word searches, and she enjoys watching old comedy shows.
When asked her secret to her longevity, Mary credits living a wholesome and clean life. According to Mary, always dancing when there is music and enjoying the outdoors is helpful, too! As Mary celebrates another year of life, her resilience and joy serve 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 love, family and community.
Happy 105th Birthday, Mary!
Mary Kernodle
Brownsburg Meadows Assisted Living is celebrating a very special milestone with resident Mary Kernodle as she turns 101 years old.
Born and raised in Decatur Township on May 23, 1923, Mary became a resident of Brownsburg in 1998. Mary was married for 65 years, and together she and her husband raised two children: Dale and Chris. Mary has three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Mary, driven by her ambitions, embarked on a remarkable career journey that began with her education at a business college. After graduating, she spent several years honing her skills as a secretary at a local insurance agency. Leveraging her experience and passion for helping others, Mary transitioned into the real estate industry, where she built a successful career as a real estate agent and broker on the south side of Indianapolis.
Having a creative spirit, Mary has enjoyed oil painting over the years, and she has many of her paintings hanging in her apartment at Brownsburg Meadows Assisted Living. She also loved being an active part of a group of ladies who sewed lap quilts for children at Riley Hospital. Mary was also an avid gardener.
When asked the secret to a long life, Mary wisely said to “surround yourself with good people!”
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.
Mary Langdoc
Mary Langdoc enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, visiting with family and friends, religious services and listening to music. She also loves animals. Her secret to a long life: take a multivitamin every day.
Mary McEowen
Mary McEowen is a funny and kind member of the American Village community, and she credits her longevity to enjoying every possible moment. She recommends that we all follow her lead on that. Great advice, Mary!
Mary Moore
Mary Moore enjoyed going on cruises, going to church and cooking. Daughter Daisy Borel said what stands out most about her mother was her determination to make sure she finished college. Mrs. Borel graduated from Fisk University and Meharry Medical College School of Nursing.
Maxine Cory
Maxine Cory celebrates her 100th birthday at Aster Place. Born and raised in Cass County, IN, Maxine’s life has been full of love, hard work, and joy. With two marriages and six cherished children, she’s lived a life rich in family bonds. Maxine’s 30-year tenure at Delco General Motors speaks volumes about her work ethic and commitment. Now, her days are filled with the joys of sewing, diving into books, and mastering card games. Maxine’s secret to a long, fulfilling life? “Eat right and you will have good health.”