Published: 7/14/2022 7:43:39 PM
GREENFIELD — Reflecting on the lessons she learned throughout her life at her 100th birthday party on Thursday, Edith “Edie” Handleman advised, “Love people and be always happy. Be friendly even when others are not.”
Her party was hosted at the Weldon House apartments, where Handleman was surrounded by her daughter and a room full of people who fought over the sought-after title of her best friend.
A vanilla sheet cake was provided for the celebration, but a special piece of chocolate cake was set aside for Handleman. She is known for her sweet tooth.
“She is as sweet as her sweet tooth,” said Joe Lechance, who delivers pastries from local bakeries weekly, and said Edith always waits for him by the door.
The Blue Moon Ensemble played jazz for the room, bringing up memories for Handleman of her late husband, Edward Handleman, a jazz trumpet player who served in World War II. The two married in 1942 and had three children together.
According to Handleman’s daughter, Randie Handleman, Edith always lived the way she wanted. Edith got a loan from a bank to buy a house for the family, cars for the children, and made sure all three kids went to college.
“Dad paid for everything, but she was the force behind it all,” Randie Handleman recounted. “I always tried to teach her how to live, but she made it to 100 without ever listening to me.”
Randie Handleman moved her parents to Greenfield from Florida to keep them closer to family. Edith then moved to the Weldon in 2001 when her husband died.
“They love Greenfield,” Randie Handleman said. “They can walk to the library, the court and participate in the Garden Club.”
Edith Handleman said she wants to live to be 112, so she can have many more happy years in Greenfield.
“We need more people like her,” said Valerie Jackson, Handleman’s neighbor down the hall. “I’ve lived here for nine years and I’ve never heard her say anything but kind words.”
While Handleman doesn’t leave her room often due to fear of falling, it was hard to tell on her big day as she strode around hugging and kissing her party guests.
“She is full of life,” said Emily Verock-Isrow, the Weldon’s resident services coordinator. “She is always smiling, always happy.”
Contact Bella Levavi
at blevavi@recorder.com
or 413-930-4579.