Caroline Mary Merrill, a lifelong resident of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, USA, celebrated her 110th birthday on October 29. Senator Amanda Cappelletti first shared news of this milestone on her Facebook page.
Merrill was born in Ardmore, on 29 October 1914. She was one of five children born to George and Bertha Bessex. Later, she bought a home on Chestnut Avenue, just three doors down from her parents. She attended Lower Merion High School, graduating in 1934, before pursuing a career in nursing. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse with geriatric patients along the Main Line for nearly 20 years. At some point, she married Charles Merrill, and the couple had two children, Carol and Charles David.
After her children graduated from college, she spent 11 years as a daycare assistant at St. Mary’s Church on Ardmore Avenue. Her husband of nearly 60 years passed away in 2000. She loved traveling, even into her centenarian years. At 101, she spent over two weeks in Fresno, California, a month in Abilene, Texas, and then two weeks exploring Brussels and Antwerp in Belgium, followed by Barcelona, Spain. At 103, she embarked on yet another trip to Europe.
When asked about her secret to a long life, her answer was simple: love. “Love life… love one another. Be kind to people.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Caroline Merrill on her 110th birthday.
