By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

On Monday, Aug. 3, lifelong resident Marie Ellis will be able to say that she’s lived in Pennsauken for 100 years. It’s quite an accomplishment, although Marie doesn’t have any secrets for a century of living.

“I don’t know how to explain it. I don’t know why or how,” said Ellis. “I guess you go with the flow one day at a time. I always think God has a purpose. I’m supposed to stay here for a while.”

Marie was born on Bethel Ave. on Tuesday, August 3, 1926. She grew up just blocks away from there, then moved to an apartment her father built when she got married to her husband, Leo, in 1949. Moving into her home in the 1950s, she raised five children and over the years, welcomed nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A lifelong parishioner at St. Cecilia’s, now known as Mary, Queen of All Saints Parish, Marie did clerical work for a law firm in Camden, as well as worked as an office manager at Hesco Vending Company for over 20 years. She also enjoyed two dream trips: one to the Grand Canyon, the other to Ireland.

“I haven’t had what you would call an adventurous or exciting life, but it’s a wonderful life,” said Ellis.
Marie has seen a lot of changes in Pennsauken over the last 100 years, from dirt roads and empty lots in the Depression, to the development and growth of the town seen today. She’s especially excited to see the Pennsauken Community Center when it’s completed.

“Pennsauken has been a wonderful place for me to live. I’ve always been happy here,” said Ellis. “My husband was offered jobs in other places, and I told him I didn’t want to move. I wanted to stay in Pennsauken.

“I’ve been blessed. I have my faith and my family. I think that helps me a lot. I don’t feel like I’m going to die yet, but I ‘m very content with my life.”

We wish Marie a very happy 100th birthday. What an incredible milestone filled with special memories shared with family and friends.