Paradise Pointe Assisted Living & Memory Care celebrated National Centenarian’s Day Sept. 22 by honoring two residents who have each surpassed the century milestone: Dorothy “Dee” Hardeman (101) and Mary Wilson (100).
Ms. Hardeman, born in 1924 in Hartford, Conn., is a U.S. veteran who grew up in Berlin, Conn. She married her husband, William, in Ormond Beach and they shared 54 years of marriage, raising a loving family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A licensed practical nurse and graduate of Daytona Beach Community College, she continues to carry her nurse’s heart into daily life at Paradise Pointe, a news release from the ALF states. She often offers the staff “nursing advice” and looks after her fellow residents with the same care she gave her patients years ago.
Ms. Hardeman credits her independence and positive outlook as keys to her long life: “I have always liked to stay busy and I am still doing that today. I want to be independent and not wait for people to do things for me. It is important for me to stay busy and to help people. Paradise Pointe is my family and I like to help my friends and neighbors as much as I can,” she stated in the news release.
Reflecting on her century of life, she said the biggest change she has seen is in “the level of respect and discipline” in the world today. Her advice to others is simple: “Always listen!”
Ms. Wilson, born in 1925 in Windom, Minn., is known for her energy, faith and love of sunshine. Adopted at the age of five, she said her parents gave her “a good life” and supported her in finding her husband, Richard, with whom she shared a long marriage and raised 10 children. Two of her children died young, but Ms. Wilson carries them in her heart. “Faith gets you through,” she shared. “You have to do the best you can.”
She enjoys walking the halls for exercise and sitting outside in the sunshine — her favorite pastime. For her 100th birthday, she accomplished one special wish: hitting a golf ball in the Paradise Pointe courtyard.
When asked about the secret to a happy life, Ms. Wilson answered without hesitation: “The secret to being happy in life is to have a good family. As I get older, being with my children and enjoying life makes me so happy.” She added, “Always have faith. When you have faith, that helps you hold things together even in the worst of times.”
Her proudest accomplishment? “That my husband and I raised our children the best we could with faith in our Lord Jesus. We showed people how to live a life of faith. We raised our children to be responsible citizens and good people.”
Both women share advice for mothers raising children today: “Know where your kids are and know who they are with,” a message that echoes across their generations.
During the Sept. 22 celebration, Ms. Herdeman and Ms. Wilson were crowned Paradise Pointe Royalty for the Day, surrounded by family, friends, residents and staff.
Paradise Pointe is at 350 Clyde Morris Blvd. in Ormond Beach.
