A celebration for a centenarian

100 years in the making, Maxine Congleton celebrated her milestone birthday on October 27. Days earlier her family threw her a luncheon at Trinity at City Beach that was hosted by her sons, George and Keith Congleton and her daughter Gail Graham. Her eight grandchildren came from Southern California, Utah and Texas and three of her 24 great-grandchildren also made the journey to share in the festivities. Nine great-great-grandchildren stayed home.

“I don’t know why I’ve lived this long,” Congleton said. “But, I’m so blessed to have a family that loves me. So many old people don’t have any family left. And, too many have children and grandchildren that never come to visit. It’s just wonderful that they’ve come all this way to have lunch with me.”

Stories and teasing filled the afternoon. Grandkids all talked about her famous smoked salmon balls, an hors d’oeuvre highlight of any visit to North Idaho, and how Granddad always called her The Sergeant for her ability to keep everyone in line.

After almost 75 years of marriage, Congleton’s husband, George Lee, passed away in 2013. “I miss him every day and am just waiting for the good Lord to decide when we’ll be together again,” she said.

Congleton lives at The Bridge and although she is almost blind and very hard of hearing, she’s able to participate in a few activities the facility offers, particularly bingo. The small price she had to pay for having a birthday party is a short quarantine, but as soon as that’s behind her she’ll be back at the Candy Bingo table where she’s memorized the numbers on her cards and is always successful at bringing home the candy bars.