Author: David Mulkey, DNP, RN, CPHQ
Some people dream of living a long life, but for Marian, reaching 101 was never part of the plan. “If I just lived until 70, that would be good,” she recalls thinking. But somewhere along the way, as she moved through the decades, watched her family grow, and embraced the simple joys of life, she realized she wanted to see 100—and beyond.
Born in 1923 in Wolcott, New York, she grew up in a time that feels worlds apart from today. As one of seven siblings, she faced hardship early, losing her mother when she was just ten years old. Her youngest brother was only four months old at the time. Growing up without electricity, without indoor plumbing, and using an outhouse, she learned resilience at a young age.
At 19, she married the love of her life in 1942. Their honeymoon phase was cut short when her husband was drafted into the Army when World War II broke. Before being deployed, he found her a job at an ammunition plant where her responsibility was to paint grenades—a stark reminder of the times they lived in. She worked while he served, and after the war, they built a life together, eventually settling in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, in 1972. They shared 64 years of marriage before he passed away in 2007.
Despite the challenges life threw her way, she’s always been easygoing, embracing life with a positive outlook. When asked about the most important lesson she’s learned, she doesn’t hesitate: “Enjoy time with family.” It’s a lesson she’s lived out, raising five children, welcoming twelve grandchildren, and now enjoying even more great-grandchildren.
Her secret to longevity? It’s not a strict diet or exercise routine—it’s about doing what she loves. She loves food, especially Italian, and has a particular fondness for candy. In her younger years, she found joy in gardening. These days, she finds excitement in something unexpected—gambling trips to Black Hawk, Colorado with her son! She lights up as she recalls the time she hit a $300 jackpot on a slot machine.
Beyond her adventures, she’s a lover of books, particularly Danielle Steel novels, and remembers fondly the concerts she attended when she was younger. Her ability to find joy in both the everyday and the extraordinary has undoubtedly played a role in her reaching 101.
As she reflects on the past century, she marvels at how much the world has changed. "It was a lot different back when I was young," she says. "No electricity, no bathroom." Today, in 2025, we live in a world of smartphones, voice-activated assistants, and instant access to information at our fingertips. Indoor plumbing and electricity are no longer luxuries but expectations, with high-tech appliances, self-cleaning toilets, and even AI-powered home automation making life more convenient. The contrast is striking—what once required kerosene lamps and trips to the outhouse is now replaced by motion-sensor lighting and heated bathroom floors. The pace of progress is astonishing, and for someone who has witnessed it firsthand, it’s nothing short of remarkable.
But while the world has evolved in ways she never imagined, one thing remains constant—the importance of love, family, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Maybe that’s the real secret to a long, fulfilling life. At 101, Marian isn’t just a witness to history—she’s a living testament to the power of resilience, joy, and embracing the journey, one day at a time.
