Inspired Living residents mark century of living

Two special women at Inspired Living have reached their milestone 100th birthday this month and were celebrated by family, friends and staff at the assisted-living facility in which they reside.

Hedwig Hutchinson, who goes by the name Ski because her maiden name is Pawlowski, turned 100 Aug. 8; Betty Hopkins’ century birthday is Aug. 31. Michelle Boykin, executive director of the facility in Ocoee, organized the party Wednesday, Aug. 14. The two celebrants enjoyed a big, pink and white cake, balloons and birthday cards.

Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson issued proclamations honoring the women, and those were read during the celebration.

Hutchinson, born to Polish immigrants, was trained as a machinist to help with the war effort during World War II, and she and three female friends decided to join the United States Navy. She served in the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) program in the Naval Reserve.

She met her husband in Banana River after he returned home from the war in the Pacific and the had two daughters.

Hutchinson moved to Winter Garden when she was 90, many years after her husband died, to be closer to family. She has two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She moved to Inspired Living three years ago.

Her daughter, Darlene Powers, said her mother seldom has the spotlight on her and the facility staff did a wonderful job of making her feel special on her birthday.

“She is in remarkable good health for her age,” Powers said. “She always tried to do the right thing to take care of herself. She gave up smoking, drank in moderation, watched her weight, (and) enjoyed her church and many friends.”

Hopkins likes talking about her close friendships from her school years. She remained friends with a group from high school, and she has outlived all of them.

“They all attended or participated in each other’s weddings and remained friends for many years, including traveling together with some,” said her daughter, Kathy Heilig.

Hopkins worked as a bookkeeper at several companies, but her last and longest job was a loan officer for United Airlines Credit Union.

She moved to Florida with her daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Steve Heilig, who live in Clermont. She also has one grandson, Brian, and his wife, Diana, and two great-grandsons, Grayson and Nathan, all of whom live in Minneola. Hopkins said thing in her life she is most proud of is her family.

Heilig said her mother has lived so long because she doesn’t stress over things.

PROCLAMATION FOR HEDWIG ‘SKI’ HUTCHINSON

Whereas, Hedwig “Ski” Hutchinson was born on Aug. 8, 1924, to her parents, Stan and Laura Pawlowski; and

Whereas, she grew up in the small town of Auburn, Massachusetts with four siblings; and

Whereas, Ski married Ralph Hutchinson, a member of the U.S. Navy, on Aug. 10, 1946, in Banana River, Florida, and was married for 59 years. At a later time, she also lived with her daughter, Darlene; and

Whereas, she enjoyed doing crochet, puzzles and watching football, especially the University of Florida Gators; and

Whereas, Ski liked to watch TV and movies, such as the Sound of Music, and also enjoyed Big Band music; and

Whereas, Ski is described as a happy, giving and supportive person.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Commission of the city of Ocoee, does hereby deem it an honor and a pleasure to extend this proclamation to Hedwig “Ski” Hutchinson on the occasion of her 100th birthday, with sincere congratulations and best wishes for many more to come.

PROCLAMATION FOR BETTY HOPKINS

Whereas, Betty Hopkins was born on Aug. 30, 1924, to her parents, Harold and Kathryn Hill; and

Whereas, she grew up and resided in the city of Chicago, Illinois; and

Whereas, Betty married Arthur Hopkins, a veteran of the U.S. Army, in 1946 in Chicago after they met in a soda shop where he worked. She has a daughter named Kathryn; and

Whereas, she worked for 17 years as a loan officer for the United Airlines credit Union. She also owned a handmade purse business after retirement called Bags by Betty; and

Where, Betty’s career provided a benefit of traveling, and she visited many places, especially her favorite place of Hawaii, which she visited 15 times; and

Whereas, she attended the First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights for inspiration, and her daughter, Kathryn, was also a source of hope and comfort; and

Whereas, Betty enjoyed playing board games music, sewing, golf and baseball, especially her favorite team, the Chicago Cubs; and

Whereas, Betty is described as an accepting, nurturing and supportive person.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Commission of the city of Ocoee, does hereby deem it an honor and a pleasure to extend this proclamation to Betty Hopkins on the occasion of her 100th birthday, with sincere congratulations and best wishes for many more to come.