Alexandria Celebrates 17 Centenarians at 2026 Event

Alexandria, VA – A truly dreadful rainy night did not stop eight of Alexandria’s most accomplished birthday guests from making it to the Del Pepper Community Resource Center on Sept. 8 for the City’s 2026 Centenarian Celebration.

Seventeen Alexandrians signed up to be recognized at the annual event. Eight attended in person, while nine additional participants were registered for recognition but did not attend that evening.

There is only one qualification for the honor: a person must turn 100 during the calendar year of the celebration, or already be 100 or older. No résumé required, although this year’s group rather spectacularly proved that a century tends to produce one.

Family, friends, caregivers and City officials gathered for music by the Alexandria Citizens Band, a welcome from Kate Garvey, director of the Department of Community and Human Services, and congratulatory remarks and presentations from Mayor Alyia Gaskins.

The celebration began in 2021 after former Mayor Justin Wilson suggested the idea to Senior Services of Alexandria. Senior Services worked with the City’s Division of Aging & Adult Services and the Successful Aging Committee to develop the program.

“This joyous event brings together family, friends, caregivers, and City officials to celebrate lives well-lived and share their stories,” said Senior Services Executive Director Mary Lee Anderson. “SSA is proud to be a part of it!”

A favorite part of the tradition, Anderson said, is the giant birthday cards, displayed with a photo and brief biography of each participant. Guests sign the cards, which are then presented as keepsakes.

The eight who attended were Lt. Col. F. Jane Cotton, Ruth Harris, So May Lee, Pat McArtor, Stuart McIntyre, Barbara Jane Ruggles Pinel, Mary E. Price and Maxine Sorenson.

Cotton, who turned 100 this year, rose to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force before continuing a life of service with the American Red Cross and AARP. A writer of songs, poetry and a book called Determination, she says happiness comes from knowing she has done something for someone else.

Harris, born in 1924 and a retired civil servant, offered a particularly lovely answer when asked what makes her happy: “Just to be alive and in my right mind.” Her faith, she said, is everything.

Lee celebrated her 100th birthday in June. She came to the United States from China in the 1960s with her son to reunite with her husband, and the couple operated a Chinese carryout restaurant in Temple Hills for 20 years. She is now a grandmother and great-grandmother—and an enthusiastic collector of Chinese soap operas on VHS.

This month’s Zebra cover gal, Pat McArtor, turns 100 on Oct. 10 and remains one of the city’s liveliest ambassadors for getting out and enjoying yourself. A fourth-generation Alexandrian, McArtor plays piano, loves New Orleans music and still sings Thursday nights at St. Elmo’s on Mount Vernon Avenue. Her secret to longevity? “Positive attitude.”

McIntyre, born in 1925, grew up in Hollywood during the Depression, earned degrees from Willamette and Columbia universities, and built a life around education, family and curiosity. His advice: do not waste money—and travel as much as possible.

Pinel has spent a century creating. A writer, publisher, potter, restaurant owner, gallery owner and home renovator, she is now working with her daughter and an editor she met through Senior Services to write her memoirs. Her formula includes the right friends, creative ideas, conversation—and chocolate.

Price, born in 1926, raised eight children with her husband, Master Sgt. Glenn Price, and built a life filled with music, hospitality, work and family. Her advice to younger people is straightforward: “Have a sense of purpose.” Her longevity secret is equally succinct: “No secrets, just faith.”

Sorenson’s career with the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service spanned more than 40 years and took her to Argentina, Venezuela, Japan, France, El Salvador, Canada, Germany and Turkey. In retirement, she chose Alexandria, where she has spent about 30 years involved with the Chinquapin Community Gardens—after traveling the world in search of birds and beautiful places.

The additional registered participants had equally impressive stories. Ann Buxton, 102, served in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a cryptographer during World War II and later devoted herself to family, volunteer work and flowers.

Wendy Hoge’s submitted biography describes a life in education and research, including degrees from Antioch College and Columbia University and 30 years at Virginia Theological Seminary. Her formula for a long life: plenty of sleep and good genes.

Janet Holder, a nurse educator during World War II, has been an athlete, painter, roller skater, gardener and strong tennis player. Her longevity secret? “I have no idea.”

Mary Evelyn Hurley began federal service during World War II, raised seven children, became a grandmother of 10 and still enjoys music, her cat and cheering for the Washington Commanders.

Rossie Kelly worked in the early days of the Peace Corps with Sargent Shriver and later spent years with Head Start, making her own life part of two programs that changed countless others.

Rosamond Mandell, who turned 100 on Oct. 3, is the mother of one daughter and companion to two beloved cats.

Dalia Meza taught in North Carolina, Portugal and Africa before leading a federal education grant program that helped protect services and rights for children with disabilities. Her advice is suitably direct: “Stay active and keep your brain sharp.”

Ruth Ring worked full-time while attending college at night, later met her husband in a federal workplace and built a life around family, reading, church, knitting and crocheting. “Always do your best and respect your elders,” she advises.

Mickey Yousso, 105, has lived a life that included bookkeeping for Boeing, roller skating, candle making, butterfly raising, horticulture and moves from Seattle to Rochester, New York, and eventually Alexandria.

The City of Alexandria’s 2026 Centenarian Celebration Participants

Ann Buxton; Lt. Col. F. Jane Cotton; Ruth Harris; Wendy Hoge; Janet Holder; Mary Evelyn Hurley; Rossie Kelly; So May Lee; Rosamond Mandell; Pat McArtor; Stuart McIntyre; Dalia Meza; Barbara Jane Ruggles Pinel; Mary E. Price; Ruth Ring; Maxine Sorenson; and Mickey Yousso.

It was a wet night, but inside Del Pepper, the mood was sunny: a roomful of people honoring neighbors who have seen plenty, done plenty and clearly still have a few things to teach the rest of us.