Frankie Celebrates Her 105th Birthday

Born on May 28, 1916 in Washington, D.C., Frankie just celebrated a major milestone birthday. She turned 105 years old. 

Frankie’s son, Gurney, said his mother was always very active and had a passion for family. He said she’s learned to take life day by day and make the most of the ups and downs.

“She’s enjoying her life as much as she can,” he said. 

Frankie married her first husband, Gurney’s father, in 1954. He unfortunately passed away, and Frankie found herself as a single mother raising Gurney.

“She is a wonderful mother,” he said. “She taught me that family is important and to love each other.”

Revered as the family matriarch, Frankie loved to write poems for loved ones on special occasions like birthdays and holidays. Gurney said she was “the family poet,” and later on he even began to return the thoughtful gesture to her on Mother’s Day.

Frankie remained active throughout her life, belonging to a bowling league and even driving until she was 98 years old. Gurney said her experience at the community has been positive and supportive.

“They’ve been really good to her,” he said. “She receives good care and she likes it.”

Gurney, who resides in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, said he mainly keeps in touch with his mother via video calls and planned a virtual celebration for her momentous birthday. The community hosted a celebration for her birthday as well.

Katherine Trujillo, engagement director, said celebrating milestone birthdays at the community marks a special moment for the residents, their loved ones, and the community as a whole.

“Frankie’s birthday celebration really became a collaborative event in our community,” she said. “Celebrating these birthdays is extremely important for our residents and is a special way we carry out our Deep Connections standard.” 

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