MILESTONE MARKED AND CELEBRATED

Visiting Angels holds parade for woman’s 100th birthday

Since the COVID pandemic, many senior citizens had to isolate themselves from family members, and staying connected proved very difficult.

Senior home care centers have been working on new and creative ways for their senior residents to remain in contact with their families.

Places like Visiting Angels of Northeast Ohio were very happy to have a reason to celebrate as one of their seniors, Shirley Gibson, turned 100.

Gibson received a shower of cards, flowers and proclamations from the Lake County Commissioners and Willoughby Mayor Andrew Gardner along with a parade past her home that included some of her “Angel” caregivers led by the Willoughby Police and Fire departments.

“It was nice to see the turnout,” said manager Mike Brodnan. “Shirley has been a resident of ours for six years now, and it’s a blessing to see someone hit this milestone.”

Babette Stanko, Visiting Angels care coordinator, added, “Shirley is one of our dear residents here, and she has brought so much joy.”

“This turnout is amazing, and it’s so great to see everyone come out for her today.”

Visiting Angels wanted to make sure this milestone birthday was not forgotten and special during this challenging and restricted time.

Gibson was born June 11, 1920, in Cleveland, to Edna and Birkett Williams. She was quite the adventurous type growing up and is known for her humor.

As a graduate of Smith College in North Hampton, Mass., in 1942, she was top in her class. Also a world traveler, Gibson has been to England, France, Russia, Africa, Australia and Ireland. She settled down and married Hugh Gibson in June 1942.

Hugh Gibson died in 1999. Her family includes her children Linda (Eliot) Paine of Bar Harbor, Maine, Martha (Richard) Marsh of Willoughby and Birkett (Gloria) Gibson of Willoughby, seven grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

Gibson has been a devoted volunteer for many decades at places including the Garden Club of America, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Natural History Museum and the Holden Arboretum.

She currently lives with her feline companion Cassie.

ALEXIS OATMAN — THE NEWS-HERALD Shirley Gibson smiles as cars pass by to celebrate her 100th birthday.

ALEXIS OATMAN — THE NEWS-HERALD Friends, family and staff at Visiting Angels in Willoughby gathered to celebrate Shirley Gibson’s 100th birthday.