Elm Terrace Gardens held another special birthday party on Friday afternoon, marking the 105th trip around the sun for Wilmington, DE native Hazel Rowles.
The festivities included a vehicle parade courtesy of the Lansdale Borough Police Department and the Fairmount Fire Company, along with a DJ providing music and large amount of food. State Rep. Steve Malagari and Lansdale Mayor Garry Herbert also got in on the festivities, delivering the ageless Rowles with a pair of proclamations celebrating her special day.
For background on Mrs. Rowles, we turn to a post from the Lansdale Borough Police Department:
Hazel (Dixon) Rowles was born on May 23, 1916 in Wilmington, DE. She was the middle sibling of three children. Hazel had an older sister, Dorothy and younger sister, Betty. She graduated from Wilmington High School in 1934 as a straight-A student. Hazel also played field hockey and was the captain of her team during her senior season. Despite her outstanding high school academics, Hazel did not attend college because of the financial strain during the Great Depression.
Hazel married her husband Frank on February 16, 1935. They were married for 47 years until his passing in 1982. Hazel and Frank lived for the entirety of their married life in Parkside, PA. Hazel continued to live in their home in Parkside until 2007. They were both longtime, active members of Parkside United Methodist Church.
Hazel was also an active member of Eastern Star, and Frank was a longtime Freemason. While participating in Eastern Star, Hazel became Worthy Matron of the organization. This achievement shows her dedication to the organization and its charity work. Hazel was also involved with the Boy Scouts alongside her husband. Both volunteered in the organization to support their nephew.
In the later years of her life, Hazel became a surrogate grandmother for her nephew’s three children. Aunt Hazel, as she is known, always supplied the yummy baked goods, surprise gifts for Christmas and Birthdays and hugs for everyone. As she reaches this milestone in life, she continues to have her witty sense of humor and a smile for everyone she meets.
Check out North Penn Now photographer Bob Kelly’s gallery below!
See also:
Photos: Lansdale’s Margaret ‘Peg’ Leichthammer Celebrates 105th Birthday
Photos: Community Members, Hatfield Fire Co. Help Celebrate Woman’s 90th Birthday
Photos: WWII Veteran Honored By Hatfield First Responders, Township Personnel On 95th Birthday
Montgomery Township Memorial Day Veterans Tour: Photos
Vehicle Parade Held For Towamencin Supervisor Battling Cancer: Photos
