558 N. Main St., Prineville, OR 97754 | (541) 447-6205
Mildred Durbin turned 100 years old at Ochoco Care Center on Thursday, Sept. 2. “I have had a good life”, said Durbin.
Over meatloaf and spice cake, Mildred Durbin reminisced about her life.
Mildred turned 100 years old yesterday, and as she relished her meal, she talked about life and longevity.
“I don’t know why they feed me so much food. I didn’t do anything, and I’ll get fat!” she remarked. Not much chance of that, as Mildred is quite trim.
As if a good meal was an opening to a good conversation, Mildred began to share some snapshots of her life.
“I have had a good life,” said Mildred. “I haven’t really been sick, or anything. My memories come and go, and sometimes I forget things.” Today, Mildred spoke with clarity, occasionally pausing between her memories.
Mildred was born in Eugene, and grew up in the McKenzie area, outside of Springfield. Her parents had a farm there, and Mildred said that she had eight other siblings. As a young wife, she worked for other people doing housework, and she also worked at a laundry.
Mildred has one son, Richard, who lives at the Carriage House in Prineville, and he calls Mildred every week to check on her.
Roni Southern, a nurse at Ochoco Care Center, said that Durbin enjoys crafts, art, beadwork, and helped to paint the signs that are hanging outside of the resident doors.
Mary, another nurse at the center, said that “Mildred Durbin is a very sweet lady, and she likes to be well-groomed.” Today, Mildred was having her hair styled.
“She is a very lady-like person,” said Mary. “She is polite and respectful of other people.”
True to form, Mildred shakes hands, and smiles with her piercing blue eyes and says, “It was good to meet you. I hope you will come back again.”
