Loving Life is Dee Dee’s Mantra at 97

How often do we hear that life is short so we must live every day as if it was the last? Dee Dee Bartels seems to have taken that mantra to heart because at age 97, she has probably lived one of the most fulfilling lives you will ever hear about. 

A resident of Amelia Island, Fla., since 1957, Bartels is a renowned painter, poet, author, playwright and activist. Her accomplishments also include being president of the Historical Society, a radio show host and even a freewheeling shrimp boat captain.

If that wasn’t enough, her claim to fame includes having a downtown Fernandina Beach boat dock named after her. 

Self described as a free spirit, Bartels has lived in Germany; Cuba; the Bahamas; Miami and Key West, Fla., and Carriacou Island (part of the Grenadine Island near the coast of South America).

As she reflected on this important milestone, she says she would like to be remembered as someone who loved life, loved others and was loved. 

“My advice to others is to stop long enough to see the beauty of the earth around you,” she said.

Bartels didn’t need anything fancy to celebrate her birthday. She felt blessed to be able to spend it with one of her two sons at his house near the water.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit The Lakeside at Amelia Island community, take a moment to chat with Bartels because, according to Engagement Director Lisa Drew, “you'll come away smiling.”

Also celebrating their birthdays in August are Ardelle McGowan who turned 98 on Aug. 6, and Barbara Anderson, who turned 97 on Aug. 12.

McGowan grew up on a farm in Illinois and enjoys watching classic movies. She stays active walking every day and attending exercise sessions at The Lakeside. 

Anderson is quite talented and not shy about sharing her life stories with friends and staff. One of her biggest accomplishments was the time she was commissioned to paint several buildings in her hometown. At The Lakeside, she enjoys doing architectural artwork and visiting museums.

Happy Birthday Dee Dee, Ardelle and Barbara!