A lot of people lie about their true age – at first, to appear old enough to get into a club to party with their friends. Later on, they celebrate their 40-something birthday for a very long time. Well, Mary Lea Forsythe is lucky – despite turning 100, she’s actually celebrating her 25th birthday as she is one of the lucky few to be born on the 29th of February, which only appears in the calendar once every four years.
Mary Lea Forsythe was born in 1924 but she only just celebrated her 25th birthday
Image credits: ABC 7 News
Cheerful granny Mary Lea was born on February 29, 1924 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Every time she looks back on the life she lived, she cannot help but smile – she had a good ride so far. Despite living through the Depression, World War II and the pre-television era, she looks fondly on the good ol’ days.
“We had the only telephone in the neighborhood, so we’d holler ‘Miz Brown, you’re wanted on the phone, come across the garden to the house,’“ recalled Mary Lea. “It was a different time, I’ll tell you.”
It’s hard not to romanticize the past when that’s when the most beautiful love stories happened. Mary Lea met her late husband in 9th grade and had been together for 68 years before he passed away. They had a wonderful life together, sharing the love of music and traveling. Almost seven decades with your best friend – it is easy to see why Mary Lea loves her life.
"He was beautiful. He was handsome. And he had a bass voice that won first in this state when he was in high school," she reminisced.
Image credits: CBS News
Born in a leap year, Mary Lea only gets an "official birthday" every four years
Image credits: CBS News
Her unusual birthday might also be the reason behind her playful personality. “There’s no 29th in three out of four years and I have a good time with that,” Mary Lea admitted.
The centenarian recalls going to a restaurant that offered a free birthday meal. As it was March 6th, William’s birthday, he was entitled to a celebratory meal. Mary Lea told the waitress it was both of their birthdays, however, the server did not believe her.
“She said ‘Both?’ And I said, 'Yes. His is March the sixth and mine's the 29th, and there's no 29th on the calendar, so I’m taking his this year,” laughed Mary Lea.
The good news is they both got a fabulous free meal and a precious memory out of it.
Image credits: CBS News
“There’s no 29th in three out of four years and I have a good time with that”
Image credits: CBS News
Image credits: CBS News
The 100-year-old explained that she always celebrated her non-leap year birthdays on random days. “I had two brothers and three sisters, and if anybody wanted to celebrate my birthday, that’s the day I celebrated,” she said. However, every leap year she sticks with her actual birthday – she doesn’t get many of them, after all!
Despite turning 100 (or 25), Mary Lea isn’t a typical grandma. She loves the modern technology and appreciates how much easier her life has become since she learned how to text and use Siri. This beautiful lady is also a big fan of selfies!
“She’s the queen of selfies, much better than I am,” said her granddaughter Kerry Nau. "And she texts me all the time.”
Mary Lea’s texting skills came in handy when they started organizing her 100th birthday bash. Kerry had no idea she was in for a lot of planning – it's not every day someone celebrates a century on this Earth!
“I asked her how many invitations she needed and she said about 30. I printed 40 — and she said she needed more because she was inviting everyone.”
The more the merrier!
In non-leap years, she would choose a random date to celebrate. One year she picked her late husband's day so they would get a free meal - and it worked!
Image credits: CBS News
Mary Lea has an incredible joie de vivre and despite turning 100, she has no intentions to stop. She's fond of new technology and loves a good selfie!
Image credits: CBS News
“She’s the queen of selfies, much better than I am,” said her granddaughter, "And she texts me all the time”
Image credits: CBS News
Image credits: CBS News
One of the biggest life treasures is Mary Lea’s family and a good portion of invites went to them. The centenarian has a son, daughter, grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who were excited to celebrate this wonderful woman. She also invited people from her church and numerous clubs she has been involved with over the years.
“If I had thought this out, I would have arrived more than a day in advance to get it all worked out. We keep changing to bigger areas!”
A big birthday deserves a big party! And on the 29th of February, she celebrated her day at church. The birthday girl had one request:
"No gifts, please. I don't want anything to store."
As Mary Lea entered a new century of her life, she has no intention to slow down. She has always been one for trying out new things, such as her grandson’s skateboard, or being the first one to wear pants to church.
“Nobody in those days wore pants, so I sat in the back of the church because I thought they were going to kick me out. But nobody kicked me out and the next week everybody started wearing pants to church.”
We’re excited to see what she will be up to next!
"I try to get rid of anything that's a problem with me and my heart. I forgive and I don't cheat or lie” Mary Lea believes this is the key to a long and happy life
Image credits: CBS News
And to those who like to complain about life, she reminds us what wonderful times we live in "Oh, it's just a fun time to live. I'll tell you, it's a great time to live."
Image credits: CBS News
Does Mary Lea have any secrets for a long life? She says staying active is one of the most important things. The grandma takes regular walks when the weather is nice or uses a treadmill when its too cold. "I don't smoke and I don't drink, and I just enjoy living,” she added.
“I don't try to hold grudges. I try to get rid of anything that's a problem with me and my heart. I forgive and I don't cheat or lie,” Mary Lea revealed the key to a happy life.
“My mother’s sister Mary lived to be 107. So I told ‘em, I’m going to out-do her,” the centenarian revealed her plan for the future.
Hopefully, Mary Lea’s optimism has inspired you to look on the bright side and do something worth remembering for your 100th birthday.
By the way, how are you planning to celebrate turning 100?
Comments were full of people wishing Mary Lea a happy 25th birthday
