Grundy Manor celebrated a significant milestone Monday, September 15 with a surprise 100th birthday party for resident Joan Kane.
The celebration at the senior apartment building brought together dozens of Kane’s friends, fellow residents and local officials.
“I can’t believe all these people are here for my birthday,” said Kane as she walked into the surprise.
In addition to the party, Kane was treated to a drive-by parade of local police cars, fire trucks and Telford Borough Authority trucks.
“It’s overwhelming,” said Kane. “I’ll have to sit some place and cry.”
100-year-old Joan Kane is treated to a drive-by parade of local police vehicles, fire trucks and Telford Borough Authority trucks.100 years
Kane was born on September 15, 1925 in Conshohocken. She was married to Pennsylvania State trooper Joe Kane for 37 years and raised three children. She is now a grandmother to six and a great-grandmother to two.
A 15-year resident of Grundy Manor, Kane remains an active member of the facility, enjoying bingo and reading, said Grundy Manor council president Betsy Petch.
“She’s really independent,” said Petch. “She does very good for being 100. She surprises us all.”
During the celebration, Petch listed some key events of Kane’s birth year to illustrate the centenarian’s long lifespan, including the advent of the electric refrigerator, electric shaver and electric blender, the beginnings of frozen food, the transmission of the first television pictures, the commercial release of the first Leica camera and the patenting of the Brannock Device, an instrument for measuring a person’s shoe size.
Grundy Manor residents gather for resident Joan Kane's surprise 100th birthday party. (John Worthington - MediaNews Group)A stress-free life
Kane said she “never expected” to live 100 years but credited a happy, stress-free life.
“I’m a happy lady. I never had any stress in my life,” said Kane. “I made two great decisions – the man I married and moving into Grundy Manor.”
In honor of Kane, Telford Mayor Jerry Guretse officially proclaimed September 15 as Joan Kane Day.
“We extend our heartfelt admiration and respect for the person you are,” said Guretse. “May the day be as special as you to all who know you.”
Kane closed by expressing her appreciation for the party’s attendees and the Grundy Manor community.
“Every day has been a happy day. I’ve never had one complaint,” said Kane. “I’m happy to be here, and I hope I’m here for a few more years.”
Joan Kane speaks at her surprise 100th birthday celebration. (John Worthington - MediaNews Group)
