MARLBOROUGH – A party of 50 convened at New Horizons on Nov. 2 to celebrate the 100th birthday of long-time resident Emily DeRidder.
Surrounded by loved ones, the centenarian held court at a festive luncheon arranged by staff at the Marlborough senior living community.
“It’s just another day I can enjoy talking with my family and friends,” DeRidder said, “which I love to do every day.”
Mayor Arthur Vigeant was among the crowd of well-wishers, and he presented DeRidder with a ceremonial proclamation from the city. She also received a “Happy Birthday” serenade from Bill Cummings, co-founder of Cummings Foundation, who telephoned to personally congratulate her and thank her for her long tenancy.
DeRidder and her late husband moved from their home in Sudbury to New Horizons in 1996, just two years after its doors had opened. Having now celebrated 27 birthdays at the retirement community, she is its longest-tenured resident.
“Lots of my friends here are coming up on 100, too,” said DeRidder.
This centenarian keeps a busy schedule, taking advantage of the group activities and special events offered at New Horizons.
She particularly enjoys daily fitness classes and weekly Bingo games, as well as informal gatherings with friends on the veranda or in the lobby. A lover of the outdoors, DeRidder often admires the local plants and wildlife while walking around New Horizons’ 40-acre campus.
DeRidder grew up alongside her late husband, Lyman “Beanie” DeRidder, in Saratoga, N.Y.
The pair moved to Massachusetts in 1956 and raised three daughters. A dedicated homemaker, DeRidder also enjoyed various hobbies, including crafting blankets for the neonatal intensive care unit at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and playing the piano and organ. She remains devoted to her large extended family, and she recently escorted one of her granddaughters down the wedding aisle.
More information about New Horizons is available at CountryCommunities.com.
