Lehigh resident celebrates 107th birthday with family and friends | Information, Sports activities, Jobs

By Mitch On Jul 6, 2022

On June 23, longtime Lehigh Acres resident Gwen Hutchinson was surrounded by friends, family and staff and residents of Lehigh Acres Place who were helping her celebrate her 107th birthday. The event took place at the Assisted Living Facility and included live entertainment and a special letter from President Joe Biden’s office.

“Gwen had a great birthday. She had many family members and friends with her on this special day. She received a letter and a photo from our President Joe Biden.” said Suzanne Ullemeyer, coordinator of Life Enrichment at Lehigh Acres Place. “We also had Rich Chechilo from Roads Home Health Care come and play music and brought her cake to help make it a wonderful day.”

According to Kelly Heron, community relations manager at Lehigh Acres, Hutchinson isn’t letting age hold him back.

“Gwen still plays the piano, gets around on her own and even danced at her own birthday party.” said Heron. “She remains very active here in the community.”

This is the seventh year in a row that Hutchinson’s family members have flown in from different parts of Florida to help her celebrate this momentous occasion.

Gwen Hutchinson received a special letter from President Joe Biden’s office on her 107th birthday. PHOTO PROVIDED

Hutchinson’s niece Yvette Maitland-Vargas tries not to miss a birthday.

“I come down every year to be with her. My aunt is a very outgoing person and enjoys interacting with the other residents. She is always so full of life. She was always very independent and lived alone until she was 103.” said Maitland-Vargas.

After lunch, guests serenaded Hutchinson on his birthday and enjoyed a piece of cake with other residents at a table decorated with balloons and flowers.

The celebration and warm wishes meant a lot to Hutchinson, who remains active in her community. Hutchinson has a long history of giving back to others and was a nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital for over 15 years. Even after her retirement, she continued to give back by dedicating her time to working with children at a welfare center.

According to Ullemeyer, the staff also learned another fun fact about Hutchinson and her life.

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Gwen Hutchinson received a special letter from President Joe Biden’s office on her 107th birthday. PHOTO PROVIDED

“We discovered that Gwen’s husband was a White House chef for many years.” said Ullemyer.

Hutchinson is no stranger to big birthday parties. When she turned 105, a parade of vehicles, including fire engines and police vehicles with their sirens on, lined up outside the Lehigh Acres Place Assisted Living Facility to wish Hutchinson a happy birthday.

On Hutchinson’s 104th birthday, Lee County Commissioners Cecil Pendergrass and the late Commissioner Frank Mann came to give her a special birthday wish. The commissioners each surprised Hutchinson with their own gift. Pendergrass brought and read a ceremonial resolution recognizing her on this special day, and Mann serenaded her with the title “let me call you honey” which put a smile on her face.

She claims that her secret to long life is her complete trust in the Lord.

“I look up to him and trust him at all times.” said Hutchinson.