Two residents of Arbor at BridgeMill celebrated two big milestones this month. On Aug. 1, Eugene “Frenchie” Ranwez turned 95, and on Aug. 17, Eleanor “Ellie” McCarthy turned 97.
Ranwez was born in 1925 in England but spent most of his childhood in France. True to his nickname, Ranwez always greets the ladies with continental flair, kissing their hands and impressing them with his French accent. But he is first and foremost a proud American.
“He truly loves the U.S.A. and calls it home,” said Janice Kimber, Engagement director at Arbor at BridgeMill.
Before he retired, Ranwez was an engineer with the Otis Elevator Co. In 2018, he became the first resident to move into Arbor at BridgeMill’s independent living community.
“Frenchie is not a wallflower,” said Jerry Rick, executive director of Arbor at BridgeMill. “Everybody knows him. He has many dear friends here at BridgeMill and in the surrounding neighborhood.”
What’s the secret of Ranwez’s longevity? Credit his upbeat attitude, his many social connections and his daily afternoon nip of Scotch.
McCarthy comes from a big Irish family and has the sparking Irish eyes to prove it. She was born in 1923 and grew up in Boston during the Great Depression.
"All I can remember about the Depression is that there was no money," she said.
She does, however, have fond memories of walking to school and going on outings to the beach.
McCarthy, who raised four children – two boys and two girls, was an avid golfer and dog lover. Today, she enjoys playing Bingo and is a voracious reader – Danielle Steele is one of her favorite authors, along with others who write stories about love and life.
What’s McCarthy’s secret to longevity? She credits her loving family, a positive attitude and a little luck o' the Irish!