Mary Antler Celebrates 101st Birthday

CREST HAVEN — Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center resident Mary Agnes Antler celebrated her 101st birthday on July 28, 2009.
Antler enjoyed music, cake and the company of friends who attended her special birthday party.
Antler was born on July 28, 1908 in Philadelphia. She lost her family to diphtheria and was raised in an orphanage. She was emancipated at the age of 16 and began working at a hosiery factory in Philadelphia.
Antler was married to John and they had one son, John, both deceased. Antler has one surviving granddaughter, Agnes, and a niece Kathleen May.
Antler and her husband were always on the go while in Philadelphia, taking daily walks to mass and to the grocer, which she says were the best part of living in the city.
Antler was born during the papacy of Pope St. Pius X, and her faith has continued in attending Mass governed by nine popes.
Antler enjoyed creating embroidery crafts but today spends much of her day watching TV, especially ‘her stories’, in the privacy and quiet of her room. She enjoys ‘Ladies Night’ here at Crest Haven “with the other girls”. Additionally, Mary Agnes attended her first formal ball, the Crest Haven Senior Prom, last year at the age of 100. At this year’s Senior Prom, she was dressed in a lovely sapphire gown.
Antler says her happiest memory is being with her new friends at Crest Haven who have become her family. Mary Agnes said, “Everyone is so kind, I just love you all.” Her advice to young people is “be nice, be honest and no sSmoking!”