Lakes Region native turns 100 on Wednesday at St. Francis

Athaline DeHart, 100, celebrated her birthday on Wednesday at St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Laconia, surrounded by more than 30 fellow residents, family members and staff. DeHart, much to her delight, was presented with cupcakes and candles, a birthday crown and sash, and plenty of love. She was able to successfully blow out her own candles, much to her surprise. According to Rachael Rollins, life enrichment director at St. Francis, DeHart “credits her longevity to the grace of God and is very thankful to all of her friends and family for honoring her on this day.” She is a lifelong resident of Gilford, where she and her husband worked on their farm, and raised two sons, Skip and Glen. An avid lover of reading and books, DeHart also worked as a librarian. “She spoke through her tears and smiles as she thanked everyone profusely for gathering in her honor,” Rollins wrote in an email.

— Staff report