T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY Glenwood Place resident Opal English is turning 101 on Sunday, and a birthday celebration is planned for Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Opal English is turning 101 years old this Sunday, but the Glenwood Place resident is still young at heart and enjoying every minute of her life at the facility. An open house to celebrate the milestone occasion is planned for Saturday, June 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Glenwood, which is located at 2907 S. 6th St. in Marshalltown. Refreshments and cake will be provided.

Born in Coatsville, Mo. on June 9, 1923, English (nee Taylor) was one of nine children. When she was 17, she met and married her husband of 52 years, the late Harry English, and they lived and worked in Missouri and Iowa before finally settling in Des Moines and raising three children.

Opal worked a variety of jobs to support her family, including waitressing, sewing and cleaning houses.

“Opal’s heart and home were always open to family, friends and neighbors who needed a helping hand, a home cooked meal and a kind word,” her granddaughter Barbara Bloomquist said.

After retirement, Opal and Harry spent time traveling around the country in their RV, and they were passionate about camping and fishing. After Harry’s passing in 1992, Opal spent the majority of her time living with her three children in Des Moines and the Marshalltown area along with some time in Arizona, helping to support and nurture many of her seven grandchildren. Her legacy of kindness continues to grow with 11 great grandkids, several great-great grandkids and more on the way.

Opal enjoys playing cards, games on her iPad, puzzles and visiting with family and friends who stop by to see her in her new home at Glenwood Place, where she has lived for the last three months.

Glenwood Activities Director Brooke Davis commented that English has lived “extremely independently” for 100 years and didn’t need assistance or support until recently. Opal said she doesn’t feel 101, but she feels lucky to be where she is today.