friends and learning to play poker from her grandfather . Once her children were raised , she enjoyed traveling with her sister , Glo , and Glo ’ s daughter , Mary Anne , to places like Mount Rushmore . By then , Glo had relocated to Cape May , New Jersey , and Dot spent many years visiting her there . At the age of 75 , she and some friends traveled to Alaska , and the sisters even made a return trip to France together when Dot was a mere 80 years young .
As for her favorite food , Dot says , “ anything French !” She smiles as she recalls her mother ’ s homemade beef stew and meatloaf . Dot had many hobbies as well , and has always been a reader , saying she read a lot as a kid and would be inside with a book when all the other kids were outside sled riding . To this day , she still reads the newspaper daily .
Dot enjoyed being involved in the Girl Scouts with her sister-in-law , and sewing lots of clothes for her daughter , Sue . She even made draperies for neighbors , and always enjoyed being crafty . An avid fan of “ Jeopardy ”, Dot has also kept sharp by playing cards , and had belonged to a card club for many years . One of her greatest loves is Pittsburgh sports – especially the Steelers , saying “ I ’ ve always loved them … even when they weren ’ t very good !” She is the proud owner of a Terrible Towel and loved being able to visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton , Ohio , years ago .
Her beloved John passed away in 1990 , and Dot remained on her own in their home for the next 22 years . She is well-loved and surrounded by her children : Sue Thayer and her husband , Tom ; John Burda and his wife , Carol ; and Ed Burda and his wife , Shelly . There are six grandchildren , ten great-grandchildren and several cousins and relatives with whom Dot communicates regularly .
Her life has been full – seeing great-grandchildren now grown to adulthood , and enjoying the companionship of her sister , who lives down the hall from her at Pepperberry Suites Assisted Living facility at The Orchards . Dot takes pride in the fact that she can still be relatively independent and is still mentally sharp , although her loss of hearing has been frustrating to her .
When asked if she ever dreamed she ’ d live to see her 100th birthday , she chuckled and spoke up quickly …. “ well , I haven ’ t seen it yet !” If determination , grit and resilience have anything to do with it , we ’ re certain Dot will be seeing many more birthdays in the years to come . On this special occasion , we ’ re honored to celebrate this remarkable lady , and we wish her all the best !
Hancock County Commissioner , Jeff Davis , made an appearance today to celebrate Dot ’ s 100th birthday . He presented her with a proclamation . Icing on the cake !