Woman turns 100 on Leap Day, on what actually is her 25th birthday
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — One Oklahoma woman is celebrating a big milestone, with her 100th birthday on Leap Day.
Mary Lea Forsythe turns 100 years old today, but technically she is celebrating her 25th birthday.
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Forsythe is a “leapling,” the term for a person born on Leap Day, which only comes around once every four years.
USA Today said the woman from Sand Springs, Oklahoma, often celebrated her birthday on Feb. 27, Feb. 28, or March 1. But when Feb. 29 comes around, those around her ensure the celebrations are more special.
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According to a Facebook group called Centenarians of Oklahoma, Forsythe was welcomed to their Hall of Fame in honor of her upcoming birthday. The group shared a few fun facts about Forsythe, saying she loves music, plays the piano and mandolin, and that her favorite song is “Sitting at the Feet of Jesus.”
The organization decided to surprise the soon-to-be 100-year-old for her upcoming special day.
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“When I walked in, there were flashers going off and they were taking my picture as I came into the room,” she told USA Today. “There were dignitaries from the city and there was a proclamation read. My goodness, it was shocking. The room was full of people. … I never had been that surprised in my life.”
USA Today also said Forsythe wasn’t the only member of her family to turn 100. Her aunt lived to be 107 years old.
Throughout her life, Forsythe worked with local merchants and two law firms before retiring in 1963. She married her high school sweetheart, Bill, and lived her life through her faith.
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