COCOA, Fla. — Mildred Phaneuf marked her 109th birthday Saturday with family, friends and caregivers in Cocoa, where Hospice of Health First hosted one of three celebrations held for her this week.
Phaneuf, a former teacher and widowed mother of eight, was born in Vermont in 1917 and later lived in Massachusetts. She moved to Florida about 30 years ago to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law.
These days, Phaneuf enjoys spending time with loved ones, watching “Perry Mason” reruns and receiving weekly Communion visits through her church community.
Asked for her secret to a long life, Phaneuf kept it simple.
“Make sure you don’t eat all the cake,” she said.
Her daughter, Mary Hoffman, said the family is still amazed by the milestone.
“Everybody’s amazed that she’s lived so long,” Hoffman said. “Especially her.”
Hospice of Health First nurses, social workers, volunteers and spiritual-care team members joined Friday’s party in Cocoa.
“While our teams at Hospice of Health First serve the community every day by providing excellent care for our patients and families, it’s extra special when we are able to celebrate important moments in our patients’ lives,” Charles Parker, manager of hospice support services at Health First, said in a statement. “It is an honor for all of us to be a part of Mrs. Phaneuf’s 109th birthday.”
Hospice of Health First provides comfort-focused care and emotional, practical and spiritual support for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
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