An ECS Senior Living Community in Aliso Viejo
In April, The Covington came together to honor 11 extraordinary women; all of whom are centenarians. It was a heartfelt day sharing stories of life and longevity with a packed house of family, residents and team members to applaud their unique accomplishments.
The joyful afternoon celebration was filled with stories, music, laughter, and an abundance of cake.
Executive Director, Cash Benton said, “It’s such a special privilege to share in so many milestone birthdays. We are truly blessed to have this many friends among our amazing residents with the extraordinary longevity exemplified here today.”
Charlene Clark, a resident of The Covington, and host of the community’s annual Fabulous Follies was the Master of Ceremonies. Resident Elaine Ockner played the piano, and as Charlene announced each honoree’s story, Elaine performed their favorite song.
Charlene opened the ceremony with a reflection. “First of all, let’s think for a moment about what the world was like in the 1920s when they were born,” she said. “It was the age of the roaring twenties. Prohibition was the noble experiment that was being foisted on the country. Women were finally allowed to vote with the passage of the 19th amendment. The discovery of penicillin was made. The 1930s was a decade many of them could now recall with memories of the deprivations of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, tales of Bonnie and Clyde… Almost all of them sent a husband off to war in the 1940s. They watched in amazement at a man landing on the moon.” Charlene then introduced each woman.
Marie Cauthen is 103. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1921. “She was a secretary to high-level military figures and traveled with them to many spots in the world,” Charlene recounted. “Marie is an independent soul whose determination has served her well.
Peggy Thomas is 104 years young and has lived at The Covington for the past 20. In fact, her husband, Judge Thomas, was instrumental in establishing The Covington. Together they traveled the world after their three children were grown. She was born in Pasadena and was a preschool teacher in Los Angeles. Throughout her long life, her family has been paramount. Her Episcopalian faith was, and still is, deeply important to her. As we all know, she is fun-loving and kind, with an easy laugh. She spent many years in volunteer work and was a wicked bridge player in her day. Currently, she remains an active participant in crafts, bingo, group exercise and Sunday services. And still enjoys an occasional gin and tonic at the friendly Covington pub! Peggy loves to read and her suggestion for a long life is “Be happy.”
Marge Pettitt is 102 and has been a resident of The Covington for 9 years. She was born in Los Angeles, went to school at USC and was a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher for 25 years. Marge still travels to San Diego and the Bay Area to visit her nieces. Charlene adds, “her advice for living a long life is to do what you enjoy doing.”
Mary Doi is 101. Before moving to The Covington in 2019, she was a long-time resident of Capistrano Beach and San Juan Capistrano; since the late 1950s. Mary has the unique experience of serving as a Postal Worker in Dana Point. She loves Japanese food and says her secret for a long life is to keep breathing. “Thank you for your wisdom, Mary,” Charlene said.
Gaby Seiffert is 101 years young and has spent 19 years at The Covington. She was born in Germany, and at 7 years old she arrived in New York. She has fond memories of traveling and hiking with her beloved late-husband, Karl. Gabby says she will always be young at heart and takes each day as a gift.
Polly Buckington is 101 years old and has lived at The Covington for 9 years. She was born in South Pasadena and graduated from UCLA. She worked as a teacher, as well as for the U.S. Air Force, and spent years organizing and coordinating volunteers. When she thinks about her longevity, “I hardly realize it myself,” she says. “I feel like I’ve experienced some earth-shattering events.” For example, she was in high school during the attack on Pearl Harbor. She describes The Covington as “an oasis for me. I feel so well taken care of.” Polly’s philosophy is to “play the cards you are dealt and keep your sense of humor.”
Jean Bellwood was born in 1923 in Orange, California. Her family soon moved to Iowa where she grew up. Following graduation, she relocated to Washington, DC where her husband was in college. He was drafted to serve in World War II, and Jean worked for the State Department, supporting office administration. “The work was very interesting,” she says. Recalling those days she says, “every night we would have to black out our windows, because of the war.” When the war was over, Jean and her husband moved to Southern California, where their two daughters were born.
With her daughter Diane Stewart, Jean visited many senior communities in the area. “We walked in the front entrance. All the people were laughing and so happy, and I turned to my daughter and said, ‘this is where I want to be.’” Jean moved into The Covington in 2008. “I am so comfortable in my cottage. People are so friendly and it’s a very wonderful place to live.”
Jean enjoyed the celebration of the centenarians. “To meet up with those who are even older than me. That’s something!” When Jean reflects on all that she has experienced in her 102 years, she says, “I can still see the good things in life.”
Edith Holm was born in Germany in1924. She is the youngest child with 2 older sisters and one brother. She came to the US as an infant with her family.
Edith and her husband Chuck, who passed in 1993, have six children: a son in Louisiana, a daughter in Florida, a son in Utah, a son in Wyoming and 2 daughters who live locally; one in Laguna Hills and the other in Lake Forest.
The Holms moved to CA from Northern Virginia, when Chuck worked for the FDIC shortly before his retirement. After the kids were grown, Edith worked for Sears and continued until the Sears and Roebuck closed in the Laguna Hills Mall.
Edith is a talented seamstress, making doll clothes at Christmas and other handmade items. She has enjoyed sewing heart-shaped oven mitts as well as sewing Easter dresses and choir dresses for her daughters and granddaughters. She has a talent for painting beautiful pictures and when she moved into the Covington, she let her children and grandchildren each select a painting. She loves the arts and crafts classes at The Covington.
When she and her daughter, Jolene first visited The Covington, “It just felt right,” Edith says. “It has been the best place for Mom,” Jolene adds. “The team at The Covington made the move-in so easy. By the time she arrived, they had everything set up for her. She has a credenza with her memorabilia, and they took pictures of it beforehand, so when she walked in, it was set up the way she always had it. I like that there is always someone available to help her.”
Jolene finds it remarkable how active her mother is, so much so that Jolene sometimes needs to schedule visits around her mother’s social calendar. “You can’t believe the feeling,” Jolene says, “knowing that your mom is well, happy and cared for. Everything and everyone is so nice. They all know my mom well. It makes a difference.” When reflecting on her mother’s longevity, Jolene says, “No doubt, The Covington has contributed to her health and longevity.”
Edith prays and reads scripture daily. She is always expressing gratitude openly. She loves to spend time with family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family hold her as a true gem.
There were three additional women, not featured here, who were honored at the party – one of whom is 110 years young and doing amazing!
