Life-Long Pitman Resident Celebrates 107th Birthday
By Steve Tawa
PITMAN, N.J., (CBS) - A life-long resident of the small borough of Pitman, Gloucester County, was the toast of the town Wednesday on her 107th birthday!
Mildred Bell was born in 1906, the year after Pitman Grove became the Borough of Pitman, when Theodore Roosevelt was President and the average life expectancy was 47 years.
She has spent her entire life there, most recently at Pitman Manor, the senior care community on North Oak Avenue. Her advice to new folks needing that level of care: "No one can make you happy but yourself."
"Come in with a good attitude. I've been here 10 years," she said.
Pitman Manor Executive Director Jim Clancy told the crowd the mega centenarian in their midst shows by example how to celebrate life.
"We're here to celebrate someone who has such a rich outlook on everything. She's such a positive person. Never ever have I heard her utter a negative word," said Clancy.
Pitman Mayor Russell Johnson read a proclamation.
"That all residents and friends should honor and celebrate the life and joyous spirit of Mildred Nicholson Bell of the borough of Pitman," said Johnson.
The nearby marquee of the Broadway Theater of Pitman and the stores uptown in the tight knit community had her name displayed to help the sweet, inspirational great-great grandmother note her latest milestone.
