She’s 104 years young

It’s hard to imagine a time when a gallon of milk was 60 cents, a 16-ounce loaf of bread sold for 12 cents and everyone could fill up their gas tank for 30 cents a gallon.

Backtrack to 104 years ago, and that was the time.

It was also the time when Edith Catherine Poulin was born on March 30, 1920.

“I grew up on the family farm in Maine, and it was hard times,” said Poulin, who has been a resident of Radiant Nursing and Rehab Center in Palatka since January. “We were poor.”

Poulin celebrated her 104th birthday a day early on Friday during the center’s Spring Fling Community Event in Palatka, where birthday cake was served to guests.

Other highlights of the day included a huge Easter egg hunt, lots of Easter eggs filled with candy and prizes, face painting, a bouncy house, food, drinks, music and other activities. 

“Ms. Poulin is a very sweet, little lady that loves and is loved by everyone who has the pleasure of spending time with her,” said Freddie Musser, who handles marketing with Radiant Nursing and Rehab in Palatka. “I have been lucky enough to sit and reminisce with her on several occasions.”

Musser likes those visits, adding, “She giggles and lights up when she talks about her life, especially when she talks about racing boats.”  

Poulin was one of 11 children born to Abbie and George Richards.

“My parents had five children before me and five after,” she said. “I had one brother who lived to be 97.”

Poulin admits to not having much of an education growing up having only completed the seventh grade.

“I worked in many various jobs,” she said. “I worked in a Ma and Pa store, a department store, eye glass factory and, the one I was most proud of, the Pratt and Whitney.

Although Poulin was married a couple of times, she never had any children of her own. 

“If I could do anything different, I would get an education,” she said. “I love reading and learning things.”

Musser is looking forward to Ms. Poulin celebrating another milestone birthday this year.

“We are lucky to have her as part of our family here at Radiant Nursing and Rehab in Palatka and we look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with her.”

These days, Poulin enjoys eating fish and watching “The Price is Right” and “Dr. Phil” on TV. She also enjoys activities at the rehab center and is a member of First Baptist Church of San Mateo.

In her earlier life, she enjoyed working outdoors, especially gardening and loved being around people.

Although Poulin has no family who visits her, she does have a dear friend, Elizabeth Syrakis, whom she once lived with while living in Palatka, who watches out for her.

“She told me her secret to living a long life,” Syrakis said. “Hard work and being kind to everyone. She has touched a lot of people with her kindness and generosity. She is such a special lady and I love her so much. I call her my little Kewpie Doll.”