During these uncertain times, you can always find a reason to rejoice.

In this case, Heritage Hill Senior Community resident Nellie (Greenwood) Johnson celebrated her 103rd birthday on April 24.

Although this year’s commemoration is an unusual one, her family, along with the senior living community and its residents, still made the milestone a grand occasion.

Throughout the pandemic, she has received special cards, notes, letters and traditional treats from loved ones, and on her big day, she was able to experience a social distancing visit with a few of them.

As a longtime resident of Heritage Hill, Nellie has developed a wonderful camaraderie with her care team and other staff members, many of whom gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” as she blew out the candles on her cake.

“She is such a delight, and her strong convictions give us much hope and joy,” said Rachael Timm, marketing director. “We’re certainly better people for having her in our lives.”

Nellie was born in the town of Halifax, located in the metropolitan borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire County, England, in 1917. She graduated high school and later worked for Humphrey’s Carpet Factory in her hometown.

On April 27, 1946, Nellie married her sweetheart Horace Johnson.

Nine years later, the two climbed aboard the famous Queen Mary, taking the oceangoing vessel to America in search of those “streets of gold.” Together they shared 50 years of blissful marriage, until his passing.

She has two children, Alice, Branchville, New Jersey, and Stephen, Langhorne. She is also a proud grandmother of six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

While living in New Jersey, she also worked as a correspondence clerk at Kemper Insurance Agency. She was a member of the Light Opera and sang in her church’s choir for 20 years. Her hobbies include reading, singing and dancing.

“Here’s to everybody’s wealth and health,” she said while giving a birthday toast.

Heritage Hill Senior Community is a personal care and memory care community located in Weatherly.