By Emilia Cardona
Contributing Writer
MARLBOROUGH – It’s not every day you turn 104.
Nina Crossman, the oldest resident at Alliance Health at Marie Esther in Marlborough, celebrated her 104th birthday with her friends and family on September 18.
What’s her secret to a long, happy life?
“I lived a plain and simple life, and I worked day by day, tried to keep moving forward,” she said.
She added: “You need to believe in what you are doing and try to accomplish it. You also need to believe what you are doing is important and be happy about what you do accomplish. Also, try to help people when they need help.”
The staff at Alliance Health at Marie Esther – a community that offers a full continuum of elderly care services – planned a surprise party to not only celebrate Crossman’s long life, but to highlight the impact she’s had on the people she cares about. Crossman’s son, Michael, and daughter-in-law, Joanna, were present for the party.
“I don’t know what I did to deserve all this from everyone,” Crossman said. “I’m so overwhelmed, and I appreciate every bit of it. I get so much pleasure having a wonderful long life filled with friends.”
During Crossman’s surprise birthday party, Marlborough Mayor J. Christian Dumais, presented a city citation highlighting the milestone.
“Mrs. Crossman continues to enjoy life and make memories with her friends, so we are pleased to celebrate this special milestone with her and wish her a very happy birthday,” Dumais said.
Marlborough Mayor J. Christian Dumais presented a city citation highlighting Nina Crossman’s milestone at her recent 104th birthday party.
Crossman, originally from Worcester, owned a driving school with her husband for over 30 years, and she was also a well-known seamstress in the community. Sophie Robledo-Noyes, the senior admissions and community outreach director, said Crossman drove until she was 98 years old.
“Nina is well-known in the community and has touched so many people’s lives,” Robledo-Noyes said. “She was also the first woman to serve on the board of the Frohsinn Dance & Social Club in Shrewsbury and a very talented seamstress.”
Steve Copper, the executive director of Alliance Health at Marie Esther, said he has had the privilege of knowing Crossman his whole life. Copper’s mother was friends with Crossman, and he was friends with Crossman’s son.
“We have all been connected over the years – through the good times and the bad – and today is one of the better times to celebrate Nina’s birthday,” Copper said. “You’re amazing – your strength, your grace, and your ability to inspire us all through the way you carry yourself.”
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