A century of memories for Valley Stream woman

Margaret Fenwick has lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement and so many more historical events. She made history herself last week, when she celebrated her 100th birthday, a feat achieved by less than 1 percent of the world’s population.

The Monica Village resident became a centenarian last Thursday, and was joined by about 75 family members, friends and other well-wishers. Fenwick, born Jan. 12, 1912, in Brooklyn, moved to Valley Stream 73 years ago and hasn’t left. “I like Valley Stream,” she said.

Fenwick raised her three children, Charles, Margaret and Robert, on Fairfield Street. They attended Holy Name of Mary School. One graduated from Central High School and the other two from South.

Her husband, Charles, died 55 years ago. Shortly after, she went to work for the Bulova watch company in Valley Stream, where Fenwick did payroll. She kept that job until her retirement.

Robert Fenwick was 9 when his father died, and said his mother stayed strong through the ordeal and worked hard to take care of her family. He bought her house in 1987, when his mother moved to Monica Village. The house has been the family since it was first built — Margaret and her husband bought it brand new in the late 1930s for $5,500.

He described her as an “unbelievable mother” who means everything to the family. “She was the best,” he said about his days growing up. “She was patient with us.”

In addition to her three children, Fenwick has 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. A few family members were on hand for last week’s celebration at Monica Village. Looking adoringly at her twin 9-month-old great-grandsons, Fenwick said, “That’s my life.”

Rosemarie Lindsay, of Rockville Centre and mother of those twins, said she hopes that her grandmother’s longevity is genetic. “It’s wonderful that I’ve had her so long,” she said. “Some of my friends don’t have grandparents anymore.”

Lindsay added, “She was just always there for us at every special occasion, made every awards ceremony at school, just a very big part of our lives.”

Fenwick said she used to love going to the beach, and enjoyed swimming.

Her key to living to 100, she said, is maintaining a positive attitude. “I live on my memories, all good memories,” she said. “The bad ones I forget.”

Lucille Moran, executive director of Monica Village, said Fenwick is the first resident of the senior housing complex to turn 100 in several years. But it shouldn’t be the last, with another resident set to celebrate her 100th birthday in March.

“When they reach 100, I give them a party,” Moran said. “That’s why they live to 100. They want this party.”

There was cake, cookies and fruit for everyone last week. Those in attendance sang “Happy Birthday” and Mayor Ed Fare stopped by to present Fenwick with a special citation. And at the end, Monica Village residents showered her with the song “Unforgettable.”

Fenwick said she was touched by the gesture, and said she never expected such a big deal for her birthday. “I’m 100 years old,” she said, “just happy to be here.”