Armonk Woman Celebrates 107th Birthday at The Bristal
It’s always remarkable to see a centenarian reach another birthday. It’s even more extraordinary when that person is sharp, alert and ready to regale anyone willing to listen to their stories.
On Thursday afternoon Marian Henry celebrated her 107th birthday surrounded by family, friends and fellow residents at The Bristal in Armonk, where she moved last year.
“I feel very good right now,” Henry said during a party in her honor. “I can’t say I ever feel terrible. I always try to do the best of everything.”
Even more incredible is that Henry worked on Wall Street as a stockbroker until she was well into her nineties. Until some health issues slowed her down a bit last year, she lived on her own in her house in the city with some additional help.
Following a rehab stint, Henry moved to The Bristal assisted living facility after her children wanted to have more services and be closer to them. She moved in about 10 months ago.
Her daughter, Mary Lou Grundman, said hard work, faith and family has kept her mom going, happy and healthy all these years.
“My mom’s enjoyed doing everything,” Grundman said. “There’s nothing that was a chore to her, and she’s still that way today. She really is.”
Born in Brooklyn, the mother, grandmother and great-grandmother spent most of her life in Queens, where she graduated from Jamaica High School. Henry then attended business school, becoming a secretary for various attorneys.
After having married at 21 and raising two children with her husband, her second career began at 49 as a stockbroker, working for several small privately owned companies She continued to work on Wall Street for well over 40 years.
Her son Thomas said while in her nineties the firm that she worked for would often try to send a car to bring her to and from the downtown Manhattan office. However, he said his mother preferred to be independent.
“She used to say it’s not right, you spend a lot of money on a car,” Thomas Henry said. “I can take the subway.”
Henry said from the time she was about 17, she was interested in the stock market.
“I never lost any money on stocks,” she said. “I can’t say I made a fortune but I did alright.”
Proclamations were sent from Westchester County and New York State to honor Henry on her milestone.
“You’re an inspiration to all of us and I think North Castle is very lucky to have you as one of our very, very special residents,” said North Castle Councilwoman Barbara DiGiacinto, who represented the town board.
Mary Alice Jannace, a resident at The Bristal who sits at the same table as Henry for meals, said she’s a joy to be around, always sharp and upbeat.
“She’s a treasure,” Jannace said. “I told her she’s a treasure and I’m happy to have her as a friend.”
Aside from working hard, Henry said she followed her own advice to help her through.
“Do what you want to do, and I have always done what I wanted to do,” she said. “I think that’s the best thing to do.”
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/
