From Ellis Island to Palm Harbor, a woman's journey to 102nd birthday
By Nova Beall, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Mary H. Harvey, a resident of the Allegro at East Lake, celebrated her 102nd birthday with family, staff and residents. “It’s nothing,” she insisted. “One hundred was the big one.” During World War II, she worked in a defense plant as a riveter.
Mary H. Harvey, a resident of the Allegro at East Lake, celebrated her 102nd birthday with family, staff and residents during the community's monthly Meet & Greet. When thunderstorms interrupted power during the party, it didn't bother Mrs. Harvey one bit.
Turning 102 didn't seem momentous to her.
"It's nothing," she insisted. "One hundred was the big one."
She was born Mary Schugel on Jan. 29, 1907, and passed through Ellis Island with her family when she was 7. The Schugel family took up residence in New Jersey, and Mrs. Harvey lived there until 1983.
At age 19, she married John Howard. The couple had four children.
After Mr. Howard died, she was widowed for 23 years before marrying Herbert Harvey and moving to California.
During World War II, she worked in a defense plant as a riveter and drove a Model T Ford.
When she was widowed a second time, Mrs. Harvey moved to upstate New York, where she lived with her daughter, Joan Holmes. They eventually moved to Palm Harbor.
Since moving to the Allegro in October, Mrs. Harvey has entertained company and kept up with current events.
A political buff, she finds a lot to talk about with residents and visitors.
To submit an item, write to Nova Beall, 710 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Fax to (727) 445-4119 or e-mail sbeall@sptimes.com. Good For You includes news of 50th wedding anniversaries, people celebrating their 100th birthday (or more) and young people's noteworthy achievements academically, in the arts or community service. For information or an anniversary form, call (727) 445-4221.
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