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Family throws drive-thru parade for centenarian relative

ALPENA, Mich.– An Alpena resident turned 100 years old Saturday.

Four generations of family showed up at the Greenview Medilodge to wish Margaret Suszek a happy birthday with a drive–thru parade.

The family normally sees each other at Christmas time, but the pandemic prevented a holiday get–together in 2020. As such, Saturday was the first time Suszek and her family could see each other in person after a year apart. Suszek’s brother, Don Muszynski, said he thinks physical activity helped her live so long.

“She kept herself busy all the time and I think that helped her out. I mean, she worked the gardens right up until two years— or, what, five years ago.”

Suszek’s family also celebrated her recovery from COVID–19. Suszek received the diagnosis on New Year’s Eve and her family was worried sick. Her granddaughter, Shari Alexander, said she’s thankful for Medilodge’s workers.

“The nursing home did a wonderful job and they got her back to health and she’s doing wonderful.”

Suszek’s daughter, MaryAnne Weber, said Suszek is quite tenacious.

“She always said… probably about 20 years ago she said ‘this is my last Christmas.’ It’s been 2o years later and she’s still here.”

The family said they all look forward to seeing each other again after the pandemic.

Happy birthday, Margaret!