WEST MILFORD — There was a celebration at Milford Manor recently as one of its residents, Helen Ross, had something wonderful to celebrate. Ross marked her 104th birthday, surrounded by her daughter, family and friends.
Ross was born on Aug. 14, 1908 in Manhattan. Her father, a New York City policeman in Chinatown, had a second job delivering milk with his horse and wagon, and Ross often rode along on the early morning jaunts. She met her future husband, Joseph, and moved to Maywood, where they lived and raised their daughter, Edna.
After Ross’s husband died in 1984, she moved in with her daughter and her husband in Upper Saddle River, and eventually moved into the assisted living facility at Bald Eagle in West Milford. She moved to Milford Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center three years ago and enjoys many of their daily activities, especially her weekly bingo game. She is known for her quick sense of humor and her trademark bright smile.
Ross traveled extensively after moving in with her daughter. Her favorite activity of all was reading. She was known to read several books each week.
There are now four generations in Ross’s family including Ross, her daughter Edna Rothe, her granddaughter Amy, grandsons Eric and Scott, and her great-grandson, Eric.
Ross has seen it all in her 104 years – from horse and buggy to the man on the moon and beyond. And her big smile tells you that today, ”things are good.”