Published on June 30, 2017
June 28, 2017, was a big day at CCANO’s Greenwalt Adult Day Healthcare Center! Ms. Mary Dorman, a participant at Greenwalt, celebrated her 102nd birthday in style with family, friends and staff at the center. Party guests sang happy birthday to Ms. Mary and enjoyed cake and ice cream. Gary Brown, a New Orleans native entertainer, played the oldies while Ms. Mary clapped and sang along.
Ms. Mary, who is Greenwalt’s oldest participant, is in great health and has been a source of inspiration for other participants. Everyone wants to know her secret to a long and happy life!
Ms. Mary is one of nine children and is originally from Monreale, Sicily. She and her late husband, Harold, had no children of their own, but raised her niece after her sister passed away. The couple owned a grocery store on General Taylor Street and happily opened their hands and hearts to those who were hungry but could not pay during the Great Depression.
In addition to her contentment and good-heartedness, Ms. Mary also inherited her family’s good genes! Her parents and some of her siblings have lived into their 90’s. She attributes her longevity to effort and a good attitude. Ms. Mary loves to enjoy all life has to offer by traveling and seeing the world. She spent her 92nd birthday in Las Vegas, her 101st birthday in New York City and will spend her 102nd at a Yankees game!
Ms. Mary lives a well-rounded life full of generosity and compassion for others, a positive outlook and a general love for life. Her great-great-grandniece shared, “Since she is a great blessing to others through her generosity and compassion, a great blessing of a long and happy life is being returned to her.”
Happy birthday, Ms. Mary, and here’s to many more!