Source: Hometown Life

Author: Aileen Wingblad

Sister Marjorie Allen never expected to live 100 years – but what a thrill and a blessing to do so, she said.

“I know I’m 100 – I can do the math,” she said, grinning. “But I don’t feel 100. And I don’t think I’ll aim for 200.”

Last Wednesday, the retired – and much-loved – teacher of languages at Mercy High School was treated to a gala birthday celebration, marking her new status as centegenerian.

“I’m amazed, absolutely amazed,” she said, looking out at the crowd that gathered in the McAuley Center, the Sisters of Mercy retirement home.

Joining in the fun were former and current staff from Mercy High School and the McAuley Center, and friends, including her cousin, Steve Shane. He traveled from Belaire in northern Michigan for the party.

“I think it’s amazing,” Shane said, of Sister Marjorie turning 100. She’s an extraordinary person, he added, “with a brilliant mind.”

“She’s friendly and kind, and remembers a lot of things about our family that (otherwise) we would never know,” he said.

That includes recounting time during her younger years spent with her grandfather, Civil War veteran George Washington Shane. “Knowing he lived to be 96, she vowed to make it to 100,” Shane said.

George Wright of Farmington, also a retired Mercy teacher, said he visits his beloved former colleague every week. “She is just so inspirational to me. We talk about current events, what’s going on at the high school – and she remembers everything,” Wright said, also describing her as “second to none as a teacher.”

Sister Marjorie, born and raised near Kalamazoo, was a public school teacher before taking her skills and heading in another direction – the Roman Catholic sisterhood. She took her vows at age 27. Over the years, she taught Greek, Latin, German and Spanish. Yet along with earning a reputation as a respected educator and, as many say for “being wonderful to be around,” Sister Marjorie is known for her amazing crochet work. She continues to create colorful baby sweaters and dish cloths that are sold at the McAuley Center.

“When we sit and talk, her fingers are going constantly. It’s one (sweater) after another after another,” Wright said.

The birthday party included entertainment by Sister Mary Jane’s “Rockin’ Rockettes” and presentation of a proclamation. It states, in part, that Sister Marjorie is “revered as an excellent teacher, especially by the students of Mercy High School” and that she is a “precious model of deep faith and perseverance.”

Added Mercy’s Sister Nancy: “She’s enjoyed here. She really is.”