104-year-old Escanaba resident
Posted: 03.25.2011 at 6:10 PM
Updated: 03.26.2011 at 11:50 AM
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ESCANABA -- Many people hope to live a long life.  But what does it take to live to be 104 years old?

For Lillian Williams, it's simple.

“Happiness,” explains Williams.  “I'm always happy.  I like to do things for people if I can.”

She was born in Marquette on October 10, 1906.

As a young woman she loved to fly a Piper Cub airplane, by herself.

“You warm up the motor,” Williams said.  “You pull this to go up into the air to fly.  I think that's about it.  It was so long ago."

She's lived at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba for the past 11 years.  And nurses say she's not slowing down any time soon.

“She stays active,” said nurse, Shannon Powers.  “She has a good diet here.  She likes being social, and she was just blessed with general good health."

In fact, her favorite activities are socializing, singing, and dancing.  She especially enjoys Mr. Entertainer, Jim Clements.  He's a regular volunteer performer, and he always saves her a special dance.

“I'm very comfortable all the time,” said Williams.  “I just happen to love the world."

There are 20 other residents who live with Lillian at the Bishop Noa Home for the Aged.  Many of the nurses say that they can't remember a day when Lillian wasn't happy and in a good mood.