La Posada Resident Esther Whitley Celebrates 109th Birthday as Palm Beach County's Oldest Known Resident

La Posada Senior Living community celebrated a remarkable milestone as resident Esther Whitley marked her 109th birthday, making her the oldest known resident in Palm Beach County. The celebration included a special visit from the Palm Beach Gardens Fire Department, which presented Whitley with 109 roses in recognition of her extraordinary longevity.

Born in 1916 in Lake View, South Carolina, then known as Pages Mill after her family, Whitley grew up on a 500-acre farm where she learned the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance that have guided her throughout her life. Her family lineage traces back to John Page, who emigrated from England in the late 1600s. In 1937, she married Thomas E. Meyers, whose naval career took them from Charleston to New York and later Washington, D.C.

Following her first husband's passing in 1973, Whitley eventually moved to Florida, remarried, and became part of the La Posada community. She raised two sons, Thomas and Richard, and one daughter, Rita, and is the proud grandmother of four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Known for her warm smile, quick wit, and unwavering optimism, Whitley continues to inspire those around her with her grace and joy for life.

"I'm so thankful to see 109," said Whitley. "Every day is a blessing, and I'm grateful to be surrounded by so many kind people who make life so special. I feel lucky to share this moment with my family. Life has taught me many valuable lessons—one being the importance of community—and that's exactly what I experience here at La Posada, surrounded by such wonderful staff, friends, and family."

The La Posada Life Enrichment team organized the celebration as part of the community's ongoing commitment to honoring residents' stories and life journeys. Brad Cadiere, Executive Director at La Posada, emphasized Whitley's significance to the community, stating, "Esther is an inspiration to all of us at La Posada. We're so honored to celebrate this incredible milestone with her and her family. She has been part of our community for 22 years and each year we're blessed to celebrate her life and spirit. Her joy and resilience remind us why community is such an important part of healthy aging."

This celebration underscores broader implications for senior living communities and aging populations. According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults who engage socially and maintain strong community connections tend to live longer, healthier lives. La Posada fosters this sense of belonging through resident-led programs, events, and daily activities that encourage connection and purpose. The community's approach to celebrating individual milestones while building collective engagement demonstrates how senior living facilities can contribute to both quality of life and longevity.

For more information about La Posada's approach to senior living, visit https://mylaposada.com/. The recognition of Whitley's 109th birthday serves as a powerful example of how community support and social engagement can contribute to remarkable longevity and quality of life in later years.