Retired Federal Worker Irene Burrus Celebrates 110th Birthday in Alexandria, Virginia
She lived in the same apartment in Alexandria for over 50 years and relied entirely on public transportation to get around.
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Irene Burrus, a former federal worker and resident at Tilden Memory Care in Alexandria, celebrated her 110th birthday on April 5, 2025.
Zebra first reported Ms. Burrus’ birthday via its Facebook page about two weeks ago.
Her story was recently verified and archived with LongeviQuest, the global authority on maximum human longevity. “We admire the strength and wisdom of the people we research, and we created this platform to share their stories,” says the organization. One of their researchers, Eli Logan, reached out to a family member for more information.
Burrus had five siblings—two brothers and three sisters. Longevity ran in her family—each of her sisters lived into their mid to late 90s—though her mother passed away at the age of 49 from diabetes.
She never married or had children. But she led a remarkably independent life, living in the same apartment in Alexandria, Virginia, for over 50 years. “Instead of owning a car, she relied entirely on public transportation to get around,” reported LongeviQuest.
O’Flaherty, who visited with Burrus on April 2, brought balloons and a card, and spent some time with her. “I met Mr. Chilcoat, who owns and runs Tilden Memory Care, at the recent Senior Services of Alexandria gala, and he told me about Irene. I just had to visit her,” said O’Flaherty, who that ight was being honored with the Community Spirit Award for her volunteer work with seniors.
“He told me that Irene grew up on a hog farm, and had a really important job with the federal government for many, many years. It seemed kinda high level. Maybe she was even a spy, who knows?”
Even after she was 100, Irene remained an avid reader with kept up with current events and politics. “Remarkably, she continued to care for herself well into her centenarian years. In her younger days, she enjoyed staying active and frequently traveled, embracing life with energy and curiosity,” Logan reported in LongeviQuest.
“I sang to her. On my phone I played the old World War One song K-K-K-Katy, and Irene’s hands came out from under the blanket. She was trying to keep time,” said O’Flaherty. “I spend a lot of time with older people. Music of their past is the one thing I find that always lights a spark.”
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I’m sorry — that’s sad in a, way obviously she’s not able to get around. I’m 67 my self I can’t do what I used to so I think 80 years is enough time on this earth. 🌎