Souderton woman celebrates 104th birthday

Souderton Mennonite Homes celebrated a significant milestone Thursday, July 24 with a 104th birthday party for resident Ethel Metz.

The celebration brought together Metz’s closest friends and family members, many of whom traveled out-of-state for the special occasion.

“We are celebrating 104 years of a well-lived life,” said life enrichment coordinator Michelle Moreland, adding, “There are over eight billion people in the world, with only around 700,000 of them being centenarians. That means only about 1% of the population reaches 100 years of age or older.”

Born on July 24, 1921 in Washington D.C., Metz grew up on a chicken farm in upstate Pennsylvania before settling in the Philadelphia metropolitan area with husband George Metz, a first-generation German immigrant. She attended business school and worked as a secretary for many years before retiring.

A mother of two, grandmother of four, great-grandmother of four and great-great grandmother of one, Metz has spent her retirement traveling, spending time outdoors and playing the piano. Her grandson, Tom Jenkins, described her as adventurous, strong-willed and kind.

“She’s tough, stoic, but has always treated people with kindness,” said Jenkins. “She’s one of those people that takes anything with stride, moves forward and finds the joy in everything.”

    Friends and family celebrate Ethel Metz’s 104th birthday at Souderton Mennonite Homes.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

Metz, a resident of Souderton Mennonite Homes for 35 years, remained mentally and physically active well into her 100s, said Jenkins, navigating to local eateries and regularly walking two miles around the facility.

“They asked her to drop it to one so they could keep up with her,” said Jenkins. “She just recently stopped doing that.”

“Just a year ago, she was playing piano for our memory care unit,” added Moreland. “She still enjoys coming out to daily activities.”

Moreland described a 104th birthday celebration as exceedingly rare, pointing to just one other resident above the age of 104.

“It’s not that often that you can celebrate 104 years, so we wanted to make it special for Ethel,” said Moreland, adding, “She has a lot of daily visitors. That tells her that she’s a very respected person.”

    104-year-old Ethel Metz has been a Souderton Mennonite Homes resident for 35 years.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

While Metz’s condition has declined in recent months, she maintains a soft spot for her newborn great-great granddaughter, Olivia Rose, said Jenkins.

“My son Steven just had the baby. And when I came here last time, [Metz] didn’t know who I was,” said Jenkins. “I told her who I was, and she said, ‘Oh, you’re Steven’s dad. How is Olivia Rose doing?’ So you can tell it’s near and dear to her heart.”

Asked about Metz’s next birthday, Jenkins struck an optimistic tone.

“She’s still doing well,” said Jenkins. “I fully expect to be here at 105.”

During the celebration, a representative from state Sen. Maria Collett’s office awarded Metz a citation on behalf of the Pennsylvania State Senate.

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