Philadelphia Protestant Home resident Ruth Beaucheane will celebrate her 100th birthday on Thursday.
Ruth will become one of 14 centenarians at PPH, 6401 Martins Mill Road. The oldest is 105. Three of the centenarians are in PPH’s independent living, including a 104-year-old.
“We’re pretty proud of the fact that we have centenarians living well here,” said Shannon Grieb, PPH’s vice president of marketing and communications.
Ruth Marian Beaucheane (née Flynn) was born on May 20, 2021 in South Philadelphia. She attended St. Monica and St. Richard, and later graduated as part of the class of 1938 from Hallahan High School.
When Ruth was in eighth grade at St. Richard School, she was the May Queen on May Day. Joe Beaucheane, an older neighborhood boy, would often refer to her as “queenie.” As it turned out, Ruth became Joe’s “Queenie,” on Jan. 19, 1946, when the childhood sweethearts were married at St. Richard.
Prior to marrying Joe, Ruth worked for Bell Telephone, and during WWII she served as part of a civilian service effort in the Aircraft Warning Services for the Army Air Forces First Fighter Command.
Ruth and Joe moved to Lower Mayfair, where they raised six children and belonged to St. Leo Parish. She has 18 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
Ruth worked for Strawbridge & Clothier until she was 75 years old. She was on many committees and assisted with various events with Vogt Rec Center and St. Leo. She was part of a ladies’ pinochle club, participated in a bowling league and served as vice president and president of the Vogt Seniors for many years.
One of her favorite memories was four years ago when she celebrated her 96th birthday at the Jersey Shore with three of her daughters. While down the shore, they visited the Cape May Zoo.
Ruth moved to PPH’s Lawndale Manor building on Oct. 22, 2016. She has volunteered in the library, gift shop and greeted guests at the main entrance. She moved to PPH’s Personal Care building in January 2020. She enjoys playing bingo, dancing in her seat for exercise and reciting the rosary.
Ruth and the other centenarians will be honored later this year at PPH’s annual Founders’ Day.
Grieb said it is “pretty amazing” to have 14 centenarians living at PPH. She said genetics plays a part, along with PPH’s healthy meal options; exercise opportunities, such as swimming or gym workouts; and medical care.
“Many residents find themselves involved. We have a huge volunteer program,” she said. “Vital to aging well and reaching your 100th birthday is the quality of life when you reach that milestone.” ••
