Being able to see a loved one’s birthday is always a memorable event. But it is much more wonderful when the birthday is that of a grandmother.
It is essential to recall our elders’ stories and experiences. And this Oregon grandmother has some wonderful recollections that everyone should hear!
Marianne Tormey celebrated her 100th birthday with her entire family and friends. She was born in Minnesota but lived in Oregon for the remaining 71 years of her life!
She was raised in a large household with five sisters and four brothers. The family had a pleasant existence on a self-sufficient farm. Marianna spoke only German before starting school in first grade. Later on, she had to persuade her parents to let her finish high school.
She was the only person in her family who attended high school. Even getting to her school was difficult! On school days, she had to walk more than a mile, and for the last two years of school, she stayed with her sister to make it easier to go to and from school.
In 1940, she graduated in a class of 30 pupils. Her childhood home did not even have indoor plumbing. Even in the bitter Minnesota winters, the family utilized an outhouse on their property!
On the same farm, they weathered the Great Depression! To liven things up, the family would have danced on the farm, which Tormey’s father referred to as ‘square dances.’
She even remembers the family riding their horse and buggy to see other family members who lived nearby. She clearly remembers her first automobile, a Model T with canvas curtains instead of windows! The automobile also lacked a gas pedal on the floor, instead opting for a lever adjacent to the steering wheel.
In 1951, she relocated to Oregon. She has four daughters after marrying. She worked as an independent house cleaner for long-term clientele. She also helped out with the local Meals on Wheels program.
Marianna Tormey is 100 years old, yet her family claims that her memory is still razor sharp! She still enjoys a variety of activities, including gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, and card games. Tormey is now a great-grandmother, and she likes spending time with her grandkids and great-grandchildren.
We’d like to congratulate Marianne Tormey on a very happy 100th birthday! She has certainly lived a remarkable life and witnessed so many changes in the country!
