Another Year, Another Birthday: 111 & Counting
  Madigan, 'Aunt Bennie,' catches up with old friends. Left, Northern Berkshire Register of Deeds Fran Brooks signs a memory quilt for Madigan. |
Madigan turned 111 on Saturday. She's the 48th oldest person in the world, as documented by the Gerontology Research Group. She's also the oldest person in the state, and the second-oldest person in New England (Irma Schmidt of Connecticut has her beat by 290 days).
Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned "So far, this is the oldest I've ever been," Madigan received guests in her living room while the rain beat outside. "Thank you so much for coming," she'd say, with a bright smile for each person, many who drove from her old hometown in Maryland to spend the afternoon with her.
It wasn't just friends expressing their regard. President Obama and first lady Michele Obama sent their congratulations from the White House. "You have witnessed great milestones in our Nation's history, and your extraordinary 111 years represent an important part of the American narrative," said the president's letter.
The state's Sens. John Kerry and Scott Brown also sent their acknowledgments and the state Senate a citation, courtesy Sen. Benjamin B. Downing. Selectman Paul Astorino attended with a framed birthday wish from the entire town.
"The second oldest college in the Commonwealth salutes its oldest citizen on this your remarkable day," Williams College President Adam F. Falk wrote to her. "You have, amazingly, lived through more than half of the College's history. ... We ought to offer a course on you."
|
Despite her protestations that not having kids lengthened her years, she adopted (and was adopted by) a circle of friends of all ages in her former Silver Spring neighborhood who started the annual parties when she was only in her 80s. She was volunteering at a local nursing home and driving well into her 90s. She continues to walk down the farm's long drive whenever possible, reads the paper, plays the piano and puts puzzles together.
When the rain let up, Madigan headed outside to the large tent on the lawn; the sun almost immediately broke through and the skies turned blue. She was serenaded by the Sweet Adelines, who noted Presidents McKinley to Obama had served during her lifetime, cut her cake and caught up with old friends.
Madigan chuckled as friend Jackie Hall talked of their shopping trips in Maryland. Once she'd asked the salesclerks at Lord & Taylor if there was a chair Madigan could rest on. "When the manager found out she was 100, he wanted to meet her personally," said Hall. "He said she could have a chair, she could have a couch if she wanted!"
Madigan alluded to possible naughtiness in her past, then laughed it off as a joke. "I have a reputation to maintain, you know."
After 111 years of living, "I'm more grateful to be going out than coming in," said Madigan, who also told ABC News, "I've done all I can do so when my time comes I'm ready."
Don't take that as a sign she's ready to leave yet. When a relative fell ill and her niece, Elaine Daniels, who does all the planning, was wondering if she should cancel the party.
"Don't worry, Lainey," Madigan told her, "We can have it next year."
Editor: We've posted more pictures on our Facebook page. Feel free to share and tag.
