Mildred Burdette serves as an inspiration to many at Oakwood Care Center. Mildred Burdette says she has no secrets to living a long life, but when you meet her you have to think a good attitude might have something to do with it. Burdette was honored recently on Centurion’s Day (Sept. 22) at her place of residence, Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. “I think I’m the first in my family to live to be over 100,” said Mildred, who turned 101 in March. “I’ve been very fortunate to always be healthy.” Mildred uses a walker to steady herself, but moves with speed and ease through the halls at the care center. She says she can’t think of much she can’t do, although her poor eyesight poses some challenges. “I lose track of time and some details because I can’t write things down or look at calendars. I’m blind. I can’t read or write because of that, but it’s something I’ve lived with for a few years and it doesn’t hold me back.” Mildred moved to Clear Lake in the early 1990s, seven years after her husband passed away. Her daughter, Marcia McNulty, lives here and suggested moving closer. She lived in an apartment setting first before eventually moving to Oakwood in July 2007. With a smile, she says she grew up a “spoiled only child” in Wheaton, Ill., located 25-miles west of Chicago. She married and remained in Wheaton until moving to a farm in Canton, Mo. and raising their children, Greg and Marcia. The couple spent their years after retirement in Arizona. “I stayed in Arizona alone for seven years after my husband died. My family then said it was up to me, but they wanted me to move here. I’m glad I did. Everything is just terrific here.” Mildred says its difficult to name the most amazing developments or changes she’s experienced in her more than 100 years of living. Transportation and technology have made virtually every thing easier. “My dad, Gene Ryan, was a motor man on the electric line, and I was able to travel into Chicago often to do things,” recalls Mildred. “I remember the stage shows and movies at the Chicago Theater. ‘Gone With The Wind’ was the favorite at that time.
“I think I have been lucky to have had a long life. I’ve experienced many things and probably my only regret is that I wished I would have had some siblings. Still, I have enjoyed so much.”