103 birthdays and counting

WARWICK-William McKinley had been assassinated. And now, his Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt, was serving as President of the United States. The Wright Brothers had yet to demonstrate that a machine could fly. Automobiles were a passing novelty and most people traveled by horse and carriage. That was the year, 1902, that Edna Talleur was born. On Friday, April 29, Talleur, now a resident of Schervier Pavilion, a skilled nursing facility at the Bon Secours Warwick Health Care Campus, celebrated her 103rd birthday. Before entering Schervier, she had been a resident of nearby Mount Alverno Center Adult Home and Assisted Living Program. "As always, we've planned a nice birthday party for Edna in our recreation room," said Kari Call. "And everyone has been invited." Call, a certified therapy recreation specialist, serves as Director of Recreation at Schervier Pavilion. Edna Talleur lived most of her life in Warwick but she was born in Dutchess County. The historic family name, Dyckman, places her ancestors among the earliest Dutch settlers. She describes herself as a "farmer" and fondly recalls those days when she grew up on her parent's farm with her two sisters and three brothers. When asked how she managed to live so many years, Talleur shrugged and replied," I don't know. I never did anything in particular." Although it may still seem rare, the fastest growing segment of the population is actually people who have reached the age of 100 and beyond. Providing long term health care is one of the most important services offered by members of the Bon Secours Health Care System.