Our Community Cares participant and Royal Palm Beach resident Matilda Namer recently celebrated her 103rd birthday surrounded by her family and friends.
Namer is originally from the south side of Chicago. Growing up the oldest of three children, her earliest memories are of horseless carriages, jazz music and the Great Depression.
“I remember my parents talking about the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre,” Namer recalled. “Shortly after, my father moved us to New York. He was known as a peddler and would sell furniture, jewelry and coats. Anything to help the family.”
Some of Namer’s fondest memories are watching the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and vacationing in Florida with her family. She attributes her longevity to 50 percent good genes and 50 percent luck. She made a pact with her younger brother that they would both become centenarians. He recently passed away just shy of his 100th birthday.
“Matilda is a ray of sunshine,” said Diane Gutman, director of operations for Our Community Cares. “Her positive outlook and caring disposition make interactions with her such a pleasure. Volunteers and I are happy she reached out to us and have forged a friendship with her.”
Volunteers drive Namer to doctor’s appointments and shopping, as well as help her sort through her mail. For more information on services, volunteering or being a participant, contact Our Community Cares at (561) 568-8818.
Our Community Cares is a community-based not-for-profit organization that coordinates volunteers of all ages to assist in enabling senior citizens to remain in their home with the support of volunteers and local organizations. Visit www.ourcommunitycaresfl.org to learn more.
