Lavina Lundy celebrates her 107th birthday with a New Orleans-themed party in Wayzata. PHOTO: Mark Trockman
By Brett Stursa
Theodore Roosevelt was president, the cost of a stamp was 2 cents and women had yet to receive the right to vote in the United States when Lavina Lundy was born.
Lundy celebrated her 107th birthday in Wayzata on June 16.
"I never thought I'd live to see it," said Lundy.
Family and friends traveled from as far as California and Colorado to celebrate with Lundy, who is staying at Golden LivingCenters-Hillcrest.
Lundy flew to Minnesota from her home in California a few weeks ago to visit family and friends here.
When she broke her left leg, which required an extended stay in Minnesota, her family brought the New Orleans-theme party originally scheduled in California to her.
Lundy grew up in New Orleans and lived there until she evacuated from the city to Texas before Hurricane Katrina hit. Shortly after settling in Texas, Hurricane Rita hit, which brought her to stay with family in California.
As for advice to others hoping to live as long as she has, she said, "Get on your knees and pray."
Lundy said she lives one day at a time. She enjoys her walks, going to the casino every once in a while and reading books.
Lundy taught third grade at public schools for 42 years. She said students are different these days.
"They respected the teacher," said Lundy, about the students she taught. "They have it better now."
She's staying at Golden LivingCenters-Hillcrest to be close to her niece Cheryl Creecy-Awobamise, who lives in Plymouth.
She said she plans to stay at Hillcrest for rehabilitation "however long it takes."
