Advice from age 101: ‘Smile’

A Clarkston woman celebrated her 101st birthday Wednesday with greetings from her three surviving siblings and other family members.

As guests arrived with flowers and cards, Marie Shinneman was especially excited to see her younger brother and two sisters. They all reside in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley and enjoy spending time together.

“We made it through another winter,” said Jane Johnson, 84, of Lewiston. “Happy birthday, big sister.”

Marie, who lives with her daughter, Joy, on Maple Street, remembered when she found out her mother was having a sixth baby.

“I was 16 when you were born, and I was so upset that Mom got pregnant,” Marie told Jane. “That’s why your middle name is Rochelle. Mom let me name you to make up for it.”

Just like Marie and all the other children born to Lloyd and Beula Birdsell, the sisters arrived at home rather than a hospital. Jane, the baby, weighed 11 pounds, 7 ounces.

Marie was born in Milton-Freewater, Ore., and moved to Clarkston around 1982 after her husband, Jay, passed away. He was a fighter pilot in World War II and a decorated captain who spent his career in the military.

The couple married shortly after she graduated from high school in 1942, and went on to have three children and live all over the globe.

“When we were in Japan,” Marie said, “I learned how to do flower arrangements.”

In addition to horticulture, Marie became an excellent seamstress. She made draperies, worked for a Walla Walla telephone company, and made flower arrangements at a shop in Clarkston.

Her primary passion was quilting, and the walls of her home are filled with colorful displays of her work.

“I quilted and quilted and quilted,” Marie said, just before her birthday party got into full swing.

As for living past 100, Marie said in her case, it boils down to good genes. Her parents both lived to their late 90s, and three siblings are faring well in their 80s and 90s.

“I wasn’t an exercise person,” Marie said. “I like to swim, but that’s about it.”

Her brother, Bill Birdsell, 96, of Lewiston, said he has fond memories of visiting Marie and her family over the years. When he was in the military, Marie kept in touch and graciously opened her doors to visitors.

The hearty family members are all living on their own or with children. Two have passed away, but Iva Peer, 90, of Clarkston, was on hand to wish the oldest sibling in her family a happy birthday.

“She’s been a good sister, I tell you that,” Bill said, as the cake and more balloons arrived.

Marie said her only advice to the younger generation is to “smile.” In good times or bad, it’s important to focus on the positive and keep a sunny disposition.

“That’s what I would say. Smile. Just smile.”

Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.