Providence News  March 2010

|   Zeeland Resident Celebrates 105th Birthday

ZEELAND, MICHIGAN (March 23, 2010)  | Throughout her childhood, Nellie Kluitenberg's family didn't really celebrate birthdays. And when she was married and had her own family, her two sons had birthdays near hers, so they all celebrated together. It wasn't until she moved to Zeeland's Providence Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center that she got her very own birthday party. That was when she was 102. This year, on March 23, Nellie will turn 105, and the Providence family will celebrate with her again.

The party will include "live entertainment and a big cake," according to Julie Hutton, the Life Enrichment Coordinator at Providence of Zeeland. Nellie, a former organist who loves music, is delighted. Staff remember that she was somewhat overwhelmed the first time they threw a party just for her, but each year she seems to appreciate the gesture, and this year she is looking forward to it. "I think she's touched that we enjoy doing this for her," says Julie. "Even though she always tells us we don't really need to 'make a fuss.' But honestly, if you can't make a fuss when someone turns 105, when can you?!"

Born in 1905, Nellie achieved the highest level of education of anyone in her family when she graduated from eighth grade. She worked hard all her life at "various jobs in town" and at caring for her family. She moved to Providence Healthcare at the age of 99.

While Nellie used to spend her spare time playing checkers, gardening, and reading, these days she can more often be found in her room knitting and crocheting. In spite of her visual impairments, she still creates beautiful blankets and afghans.

"She's a delightful lady," says Julie. "She has a group of friends here that she visits with every day, and she's just very sweet and kind."

Providence Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center is located at 285 North State Street in Zeeland, Michigan. Call 616-772-4641 for more information.