BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Brevard County woman is celebrating a milestone more than a century in the making.
Mildred Phaneuf celebrated her 109th birthday Friday surrounded by family, friends and caregivers from Hospice of Health First. Her actual birthday is Saturday, Oct. 3.
Phaneuf was born in 1917 and is a former teacher and mother of eight. She was born in Vermont, later lived in Massachusetts and moved to Florida about 30 years ago to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law.
Her daughter, Mary Hoffman, said even Phaneuf is surprised by her longevity.
“Everybody’s amazed that she’s lived so long,” Hoffman said. “Especially her.”
When asked for her advice on making it to 109, Phaneuf offered a simple tip: “Make sure you don’t eat all the cake.”
Today, Phaneuf enjoys spending time with loved ones, watching reruns of “Perry Mason” and receiving weekly Communion visits through her church community.
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