Two 101st birthdays celebrated at Westmoreland’s Union Manor

Friday, July 19th, was a special occasion at Westmoreland’s Union Manor, on S.E. 23rd Avenue just north of Bybee. Two of the residents of the nonprofit senior apartment building – Rena Popivchak, and Ruby Smith – were celebrating their 101st birthdays in the ground floor Multipurpose Room. Flowers, cards, balloons, and a chocolate-covered cake were also part of the party.

Ruby Smith was born in Minnesota; and Rena was born in London, England, but lived in Pennsylvania for 67 years. Ruby formerly worked for the local telephone company that is now CenturyLink for 22 years, and has lived in Westmoreland for 34 years. Rena is a former bookkeeper, and has lived at the Manor for 11 years.

Both women were quite active in their earlier years. Ruby was in a Merrimaker Band, playing the washboard. Rena enjoys watching DVDs, and also has enjoyed sewing clothes and knitting. Both women were pleased to be recognized at the occasion, organized by Bill McLeod, President of the Manor’s Men’s Club.

A dinner choice of meatloaf or ribs was part of the celebration, followed by pieces of birthday cake. The women received many cards and expressions of good wishes, and are already looking forward to their 102nd birthday party!