Mary O’Connell, left, turns 100 on Nov. 12 and Gerry Edgerly turns 100 on Nov. 11. The ladies are joined by friends and family for a happy hour with champagne and cake. Maria Skillings / The Times Record
Sunnybrook senior living center in Brunswick celebrated two centennials Thursday with a morning parade of decorated vehicles, gifts and a champagne happy hour with friends and family.
Woolwich native Gerry Edgerly, who turns 100 Friday, said the secret to a long life is “being really active.”
During a toast, her family recalled the video they took of her last winter while snow sledding. The video ended up on the local news. Edgerly said she received a lot of emails along the lines of “I want to be 100 just like you” after the segment aired.
Before retiring, Edgerly worked as Wiscasset’s deputy court clerk for 19 years. Edgerly’s children joked their mother was always working, having more than 30 different jobs throughout her life.
For Massachusetts native Mary O’Connell, the secret to turning 100 is “living beyond 99.” The room erupted with laughter at that line.
O’Connell, whose birthday is Saturday, worked as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines — a major U.S. airline established in 1926 — and as a teacher.
With over 20 guests in attendance, the two women were feted with kind words and congratulations.
Having a century’s worth of knowledge, Edgerly advised the younger generation to “help other people all you can and try to make this world a better place to live in.”
Mary O’Connell and Gerry Edgerly raise a glass as friends and family praise their accomplishments and their kindness during a centennial celebration Thursday, Nov. 10, at Sunnybrook senior living center in Brunswick. Maria Skillings / The Times Record
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