Beulah Meloche Celebrates 110th Birthday

OGDENSBURG – When Beulah Meloche was born in 1906 Teddy Roosevelt was president, the average life expectancy was only 47 years old and there were only 144 miles of road in the entire United States.

Now, 110 years later, the world is clearly a different place. Donald Trump will be the 20^th president of her lifetime, life expectancy has increased significantly, and the U.S., according to the Federal Highway Administration, now has more than 4 million miles of roadway

Ms. Meloche, who turned 110 on Wednesday, celebrated her birthday with a party that included the presentation of a proclamation declaring the day Beulah Meloche Day in Ogdensburg, a citation from the State Senate and the opening of presents. There was also a cake adorned with the words, “Happy 110^th Birthday Beulah.”

Marie Woods works as the nurse manager in the Milligan Neighborhood, where Ms. Meloche resides. “I’ve known Beulah for about six years. She’s an amazing woman and very independent,” she said. “We have staff who care for her, but a lot of times when they go in to help her she’s already taken care of herself.”

Brook Duprey has been a CNA with United Helpers for 5 years. “I knew my job would entail caring for the elderly, but I never imagined I would meet someone who is 110.” she said, echoing what Ms. Woods said about her independence.

“She dresses herself and comes out to the dining room for meals on her own,” Ms. Duprey said.

When asked how Ms. Meloche likes to spend her days, Ms. Duprey said she especially enjoys her view of the St. Lawrence River and coming to coffee hour every Wednesday.

Ms. Meloche was born in Chazy, NY and grew up in Plattsburgh. She has lived at RiverLedge since 2011 and lived in Lisbon prior to that. She never had any children of her own. In addition to Milligan Neighborhood Staff, her lone known family member is a niece who lives outside the area.