Photo credit – Matt Meduri
Family, friends, and elected officials stopped by Brookwood on the Lake apartments last week to wish a most distinguished resident a happy 108th birthday.
Mary Papilon, born on August 3, 1916, Papilon grew up as an only child in the Bronx. When she was born, the world was in the throes of World War I, President Woodro Wilson (D-NJ) was in office, and gasoline was just under a quarter per gallon.
She is a mother of four, grandmother to seven, great-grandmother to twelve, and even a great-great-grandmother to one.
Papilon’s family testified to her resiliency and strength. She was still driving and cooking into her 90s and even made a full recovery from a broken hip just before her one hundredth birthday.
Her daughter, Regina Giglio, said that she is still active and is on no medication. Papilon even still goes out to get her hair and nails done.
Papilon still speaks Italian, something some of her family members only realized a few years ago.
Papilon is a resident of Brookwood on the Lake apartments, located just off Hans Boulevard near Samoset Middle School.
Elected officials stopped by last week with cards and proclamations from their respective levels of government.
“Suffolk County is where we live a long time be-cause we have good people,” said County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), adding that Papilon was born the same year his father was born.
“How many of us are going to see 108?” asked Romaine, as Brookwood residents shouted, “I am! I am!”
“Imagine how much this young lady has seen; she’s like a living history book,” said Romaine.
Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook), Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), and a representative for Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) were also on hand to deliver proclamations and wish Mary well on her big day.
Boasting over a century of life, Papilon has lived through two world wars, nineteen presidents, and even before all fifty states were organized. When asked what the secret to such a long life is, Papilon said to “not worry” and “if you don’t use it, you lose it.”
