Brooklyn’s Gertrude Hardwick Celebrates and Dances at Her 100th at Bushwick Center
When Bushwick Center Administrator Meir Horovitz asked, “What’s your secret of living to 100?” Ms. Hardwick answered, “Love each other and treat others like you want to be treated.”
On May 23, 2024, at 2 p.m., nearly 75 people, including family, friends, church friends, fellow Bushwick Center residents, and staff, waited for the arrival of the new 100-year-old Gertrude Hardwick. When she arrived with tears of joy, she yelled three words: “I made it!”
Now, the celebration in the large Activities room was on. With great R&B sounds from a DJ and a local vocalist, the new 100-year-old felt it was time to get out of her wheelchair and dance. She did that, and she “cut a rug” a few times. Who can say they danced at their 100th birthday party?? Then, not only did everyone sing Happy Birthday and many came up to the front to hug Gertrude, they shared laughs with her.
Born on May 23, 1924, in Swansboro, Georgia, Gertrude moved to New York during the Second World War in 1943 when she was only 19. Today, she has two daughters, both living well in their 70s, Gwendolyn and Rose Marie, and Rose Marie’s daughter, Tracy.
All in all, May 23, 2024, was a historical date in the life of Gertrude Hardwick and her family that’s given, but she touched and continues to touch the lives of so many to this day. Bklyner