There may not have been enough candles for her birthday cake. Still, as indicated by the dozens of smiling faces worn by her peers, there was plenty to celebrate June 29 in honor of Shirley Rodkinson. On June 16, Shirley turned 106, a feat that can only be admired by those around her. After speaking with members of her family, her daughter Florence Roher and her grandson Richard Roher, it is clear that the great amount of time Shirley has had has been nothing but worthwhile.

It is not much of a mystery as to how Shirley has lived for as long as she has. She is clearly blessed with good genes, seeing how her mother lived to almost 101, her father lived to 92, her brother lived to 1011⁄2, and her other brother lived to 95 (and did not die of natural causes). Described as always being a very active person, Shirley kept her job working at a dry cleaning store until she was into her 70s.

After growing up in Poland, in an area where, according to Florence, “depending on which week you were either Russian or Polish,” Shirley spent about 35 years living in parts of the Bronx and Brooklyn. (She has lived in White Plains for 10 years.)

It’s clear that Shirley has always lived her life by her own terms. According to Richard, his grandmother has “rode life at a very even keel,” and has always been both independent and “firm in her opinion.” He added, with a laugh, that “Shirley’s not your typical Jewish grandmother; she never tried to tell you how to live your life.”

Florence also makes note of her mother’s strong spirit, recalling when Shirley was first admitted into White Plains Center for Nursing Care. Her first reaction? “When do I get out of here?” Florence also remembers when Shirley turned 100, when she accordingly threw herself a birthday party. Richard notes, “the cups from the party have faded more than she has!”
Shirley has been through her difficult times. In her 70s, she was mugged and broke her hip. A pin was put in, which doctors were sure would last the rest of her life. Needless to say, these doctors underestimated Shirley, and 30 years later the pin was out. Florence and Richard agree that, had the incident not occurred, Shirley would probably still be mobile rather than bedridden.

It would be pure understatement to say that Shirley has been through a lot during her lifetime. She has voted since Coolidge was elected (Richard believes she probably voted for John Davis) and through Clinton, one of her favorite presidents. She saw major revolutions in transportation, though she did not travel on an airplane until 1977 and has never driven a car. While family members agree that Shirley is very special, there is one person who is probably a little more uneasy around her. According to Richard, “One job you don’t want is to be Shirley’s doctor—she’s outlived them all!”