Happy 100th Birthday, Billie O'Brien!

Billie O'Brien celebrates her 100th birthday.

Billie and Pam Michalegko.

Billie and Fr. Jack enjoy a dance.

Billie and Eleanor Werthmann.

On Saturday, March 12, 2005, the St. Charles Circle of Caring hosted a special Mass and reception in honor of long-time parishioner Billie O'Brien, who turned 100-years-old on February 19. Until just a few years ago, she was one of the faithful money counters who volunteer their Sunday mornings to handle the collections.

Fr. O'Hara officiated and many of Billie's old friends and many new friends were in attendance to wish her well. Billie was honored by the special attention and thanked everyone for making this milestone birthday extra-special.

Click on the photos below for larger versions.

Billie and the money-counters.

Billie blows out her candles.

Billie with her son, Jimmy, and
daughter-in-law Rita.

Photos by Milt Werthmann

"Faith in God and a sense of humor" are what it takes to reach 100, according to Billie O'Brien.

Billie's family hosted a party for her on her birthday at which over 100 family members and friends attended. The management and residents at Culpepper Gardens also had a special celebration with cake and ice cream.

Family Background:

• Born Launa Boyer in 1905 in Sharpsburg, Maryland
• Inherited the name "Billie" from her maternal grandfather
• Married William M. O'Brien in 1930
• Moved to Arlington in 1934
• Bill and Billie had 4 children; sadly, she lost her two sons, Bob and Buddy. Her daughter, Peggy, lives in Baltimore and Jim, her youngest son, and his wife, Rita, are parishioners of St. Charles. Family includes 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 5 great, great-grandchildren.

 

Billie says that the St. Charles parishioners have always been so friendly, caring and kind that it would be difficult to think of belonging to any other parish. She enjoys and appreciates the visits from her friendly visitors and seeing Father O'Hara on the first Friday of each month.

Work Experience:

• C&P Telephone Company as a long distance operator in the 1920's and early 1930's
• Colonial Village as a switchboard operator in 1941
• Arnold Bus Company in the 1950's.

Interests:

• Avid reader and is always eager to share her books with her visitors.
• Plays bingo at Culpepper Gardens, where she wins quite frequently. Many years ago at St. Charles, she helped when the church sponsored bingo games.

By Pam Michalegko