Marcia Sprague of Johnston Turns 100

She grew up in Providence and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School. She shares a birth year with Jimmy Carter, Marlon Brando and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. When she was born, a gallon of gas was $0.11, and a new home cost $7,720 on average.

On July 23, Marcia Sprague had the celebration of a century at Briarcliffe Retirement & Assisted Living, literally.

Born on July 23, 1924, Sprague had her 100th birthday party on Tuesday, spending time with her family, friends and Briarcliffe staff. The celebration came with a special visitor, Mayor Joseph M. Polisena Jr., who gave Sprague an official commendation from the Town of Johnston.

“On behalf of all the citizens of the Town of Johnston, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you on your 100th birthday celebration,” the commendation reads. “I would like to express the hope for your continued health and well-being, now and in the years to come.”

Donning “Birthday Crew” shirts, Briarcliffe staff prepared birthday cake, played games and gifted letters to Sprague. In fact, she received more than 100 letters from across the country wishing her a happy birthday.

At her celebration, she recalled how she’s always loved Rhode Island and wouldn’t want to have lived anywhere else, though she did like California. She liked to read, travel and go to the beach. She worked as a librarian.

When asked to give advice to the younger party attendees, she said, “Have a good time.”

Editor’s Note: Ryan Doherty is a Beacon Media editorial intern this summer.