Celebrating 100th birthday with family, friends

Eleanor Slim, a Doylestown resident for the past 10 years, celebrated her 100^th birthday Tuesday at the Wesley Enhanced Living community.

Eleanor, who was born in Lansdowne on Oct. 23, 1912, considers her family her shining achievement, employees at the nursing home said.  The mother of two children and two step-children has 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren.

"She enjoyed the party," said son John Slim, who journeyed from Big Canoe, Georgia, to attend the festivities. "She got dressed up and noticed the attention she was getting."

A daughter-in-law from Doylestown and two granddaughters also celebrated the big day, along with residents and staff of the nursing home.

Her maiden name was Eleanor Hardy Van Tine. In 1936, she married William Slim, and they lived in Merchantville, Camden County, for 35 years. Eleanor served on the PTA of the Merchantville School District and on the Altar Guild and vestry of Grace Episcopal Church. She also was president of the Merchantville Women's Club and was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution.

From 1971 through 1998, Eleanor and her husband lived in Worthington, Ohio, where she continued her civic activities. She served on the vestry of St. John's Episcopal Church and as president of the Worthington Women's Club, and was active with the Worthington Historical Society and the Worthington Chapter of the DAR.

In 2002, Eleanor and William moved into the Doylestown nursing home, which was close to their oldest son and his wife. William passed away in 2003.

She has always been an avid reader, staff members say, believing that she can learn as much or more from reading a book then by attending a lecture or class.

Eleanor loves the ocean and has fond memories of a childhood home in Ocean City, N.J.

She never wanted to be heavy, so she walked.

She strongly suggests that everyone follow her advice – "You Walk!"