Linwood resident celebrates her 100th birthday

Oct, 20-2009 3:32 pm

By JACKIE HANUSEY
Staff Writer

LINWOOD – Kathryn Gerhart Gadd and her fellow residents at Brandall Estates enjoyed a party in her honor Thursday.

Gadd, who has been a resident of the assisted living center for four years, was celebrating a milestone: her 100th birthday.

She was born Oct. 15, 1909. She grew up in Philadelphia and moved to Longport in 1949.

She is visited daily by her son Fred Gadd of Atlantic City, who walked by her side as she entered the eating area and was surprised by 30 or more residents and employees.

“This is good for her, she needs things to do,” he said.

She has another son, Leigh, who as a 6-year-old had trouble breathing and walking, but got better after they moved near to the beach.

“The doctor suggested he walk in the sand, and that is what did it for him,” she said.

Fred Gadd said his mother never smoked.

“She had a glass of wine once and a while, but that was it,” he said.

Her mother died at 58, but her father lived to be 96 years old.

Director of arts and entertainment Lorraine Weber read partygoers a story about Ty Cobb 100 years ago, taking off his cap and bowing to the cheers and praise from fans.

“They love to hear about their lives, and what they’ve done is important,” Weber said about the residents.

She said they all look forward to the birthday parties, which motivate them to keep going and stay healthy.

“It boosts their ego, too, to have someone 100 and she’s walking,” she said.

Gadd was honored with a proclamation from Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson in the morning, and Weber said a letter from the president congratulating her is expected in a few months.



To comment on this story email Jackie.Hanusey@catamaranmedia.com.