MANSFIELD — What’s the secret to living 104 years? According to Imogene Murphy, there isn’t one.

She’s simply spent more than a century working hard, caring for others and making memories with the people she loves.

Murphy celebrated her 104th birthday Monday afternoon with a party at Winchester Terrace, surrounded by family, friends and staff who gathered to honor the milestone.

“A very big surprise. I wasn’t expecting all this,” she said. “This is nice today.”

When asked what stood out most as she looked back on her 104 years, Murphy didn’t hesitate to credit the people around her.

“I have a wonderful family. Wonderful. All these wonderful people,” Murphy said. “I’ve had a good life.”

A lifetime of family and hard work

Murphy said she spent much of her life helping her parents, caring for her daughter and working alongside her husband. The couple shared 59 years of marriage before he died in 2002.

“He was a pretty good worker,” Murphy said. “He was very good at working.”

Murphy said she and her husband built their life together through years of hard work. He had multiple jobs, handled mechanical projects and helped with the farm while she took care of the household and worked alongside him.

“I never heard him say he was tired,” Murphy said. “I thought he was the right one to grab onto.”

Murphy was also a Rosie Riveter during World War II. She worked at a defense factory while her husband served in the military for three years. After he returned, she continued working for a while before leaving to help with farming.

I had a wonderful life all the way through.

Imogene murphy

The couple welcomed their daughter, Robin, in 1954 after they finished remodeling their house.

Twenty-two trips to Canada and a lifetime of memories

Some of Murphy’s favorite memories involve time spent with her husband and daughter. The family made trips to Canada for fishing, and Murphy said she and her husband traveled there 22 times.

Her daughter said she was glad to celebrate her mother’s milestone birthday.

“It came as a surprise,” she said. “I didn’t think we’d be celebrating it here.”

Robin said she and her mother unexpectedly ended up at Winchester Terrace at the same time after both experienced health problems.

She recalled growing up with her mother, including their trips to Canada and the time they spent gardening and caring for animals on the farm.

“We thank everybody for the celebration,” Robin said. “This is a great little party that we’re having here.”

The celebration also gave other family members a chance to reflect on the memories they’ve shared with Murphy. Her niece, Sherri Rohr, said it’s magical watching her aunt reach 104.

“She’s lived an amazing life, and it’s just nice that she’s still here with us,” Rohr said. “It is very special.”

Rohr recalled the holidays, family gatherings and picnics they shared over the years. She also remembered how her father helped Murphy with projects around the house.

Murphy’s sister, Dolores Johnston, and brother-in-law, David Johnston, also attended the celebration. Johnston, who is several years younger than Murphy, remembered how her older sister helped take care of her growing up.

“I really loved her. Still do,” Johnston said.

A life worth celebrating

Alyssa Shaffer, Winchester Terrace’s activity director, said Murphy lived on her own and took care of her daughter before coming to the facility.

“To be in as good of shape as she is in and as happy as she is,” Shaffer said. “She does wonderful, and she is so funny and so sweet.”

Murphy and her daughter will return home soon after nearly a monthlong stay at Winchester Terrace.

For Murphy, the celebration offered another opportunity to appreciate the people who have surrounded her throughout her life.

Murphy said she has always tried to be good to the people around her.

“I had a wonderful life all the way through,” Murphy said. “And now, you see how old I am. And I’m still going.”

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