Mary Hrics, a resident of Rittenhouse Village at Portage, only had one wish for her 100th birthday: to get her own picture and name on a Smucker's jar of jelly that celebrated her milestone. And she got her wish!
Hrics was born on August 24, 1918, and turned 100-years old on Friday. Hrics has spent her entire life in Whiting, Indiana. She graduated from Bryant and Stratton Business College in New York in 1936 but moved back to her hometown afterward. Hrics was a secretary for a local lawyer and became the Whiting City Court Clerk. She later married and devoted herself to raising her four daughters as a housewife. However, she was still active in politics and in the whiting federated women's club.
The Rittenhouse Village at Portage community honored her life by making her birthday special. Her family and friends gathered together to give her 100 pink roses for her many wonderful years.
"It's a big milestone and we're so happy that she made it," said Jude Rouse, Hrics’s eldest daughter. "We would always tease her and say, ’Mom you have to make it to 100 so you can be on the Smucker's jar!’ We teased her and she made it!"
Smuckers honors people turning 100-years old with a specially-made jar complete with their name and picture. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our senior citizens, and Friday afternoon, all of Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage joined in that celebration of her long life and good fortune. A pastor from the local church offered gifts and a strong prayer. Hrics smiled gently as she accepted her gifts. Afterward, classic white and chocolate cake were served with ice cream. Hrics was delighted that so many people came to show her love and support.
There are always fun events going on at Rittenhouse Village at Portage for the residents. Kim Scott, Director of Recreation and Events, makes sure everything runs smoothly, a job that is both her joy and passion.
"I think this event is wonderful and I love working with the seniors," Scott said.
Hrics and her family have a long history with Rittenhouse Village.
"It's a wonderful facility," said Terry Hardin, Hrics’s son-in-law. "My mother was staying here some years ago and my sister was staying here for a while. We've got a whole family here."
Rittenhouse Village at Portage does so much for its senior citizens, from offering educational opportunities to helping the residents live a well-balanced life. It's more than a place for seniors to live: it's a family. For more information about Rittenhouse Village at Portage and their events, visit their website.