METHUEN, MA – The first week of February was a special time at Methuen Village as Neska Berthel celebrated her 102nd birthday. Staff and residents in the community’s Compass Memory Support Neighborhood® shared in the celebration, as well as Neska’s son and granddaughter.
Her granddaughter decorated cupcakes for residents and staff in attendance. Neska also received flowers and roses from her neighbors residing at Methuen Village.
Born in Methuen, Neska’s favorite childhood memory is going blueberry picking in the woods around the town. She graduated from Methuen High School in 1937 and then received business training at McIntosh College before marrying her husband Frederick. Together they settled in Malden, living in the same house for 70 years. Together they had three children; Louise, Frederick and Wayne. Neska worked as a legal secretary in Malden as well as at Goodwin Procter in Boston. Throughout her life Neska has traveled to many places including China, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
“Neska is a wonderful member of our community,” says Emily Seaman, Director of Compass Programming. “She brings so much joy and light to our Compass Neighborhood and we are honored to be able to get wisdom from a woman who has lived to 102!”