Centenarian holds court

Wearing a tiara and sash, Mary A. Mollerberg of New Gloucester held court Sunday with family and friends to celebrate her 100th birthday.

The centenarian who was born Nov. 10, 1911, in East Providence, R.I., said the secret to her long life is being active.

“I served on the PTA and the Children’s Council until my children were in high school. I was a chief security clerk for the treasurer of Rhode Island. My husband and I traveled all over. We square danced. I just stayed active,” she said

Indeed, she has.

Mollerberg has her own car, which she drove last month. She’s been to Poland where her parents lived, Switzerland, Germany and Sweden, where her husband, Sven Gustave Mollerberg, was born. They were married almost 50 years.

“The good Lord has been good to me. I can get up and take care of myself,” she said.

Genetics also may play a role in her longevity. Her mother, Anna Wach, lived to be 100, and her aunt lived to be more than 100 years old.

The family connections are strong, as evidenced Sunday when her two children, Joyce and Ronald, seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren came to the Amvets Hall in New Gloucester to give her hugs, kisses and birthday greetings.

Dressed in a stylish ruffled cardigan and glittering jewelry, Mollerberg smiled and greeted each attendee. There was plenty of laughter while sharing stories, including the celebrant’s reference to her favorite vodka

Mollerberg, though, has shared more than stories. She has opened her closet to her great-grandchildren, yielding new “vintage” clothing and jewelry. It’s not the first time she’s given pieces of her wardrobe away. When she learned a young girl in her mother’s native Poland did not have a wedding dress, Mollerberg sent hers to her. Photos of the girl are in the family albums, evidence of what makes Mary Mollerberg the grand dame of the family.

Of the many changes in the world since 1911 — she cites satellites orbiting the earth as one — it’s family that has remained constant for her for a century.