Honoring Senior Women for International Women’s Day

 

Margaret Thatcher said it best, “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”

There’s no limit to what women can accomplish. This has already been proven throughout history – by women refusing to be hidden. Especially when they truly acknowledge all that they bring to the table, and refuse to settle for anything less than spectacular. Women are the teachers, artists, physicians, leaders, and the warriors of society – and will continue to be for years to come.

United Methodist Communities celebrates all women for International Women’s Day, and will continue to every day there after. Today is also the perfect opportunity to commemorate some amazing but lesser known women who made outstanding accomplishments later in life.

In the Philippines, Melchora Aquino de Ramos is also known as the Grand Woman of the Revolution. When the revolution broke out against Spain in 1896, Melchora was 84-years-old. She was the widow of a village elder who owned a store in the town of Caloocan. The store became a refuge for injured and sick soldiers, as well as a meeting place. She soon became a sought-out and respected advisor during the revolution. Melchora developed a reputation as someone brave, who could also be trusted as she refused to reveal the location of her people even after she was arrested by the Spanish. Despite her age and the danger she faced, she was a true hero of her time.

Jacqueline Murdock always wanted to become a model, but in the 1950s, there weren’t a lot of opportunities in the fashion industry for black women. As a young woman she became a dancer at Harlem’s Apollo theater, but Jacqueline always retained that dream of being a style icon. At 82-years-old, her dream finally came true when she became the face of the fashion brand Lanvin for their 2012 fall collection.

Jacqueline was a senior who pursued and realized her dreams, despite how much time had passed and how many obstacles stood in her way.

Evelyn Gregory fulfilled her dream of becoming a flight attendant at 72-years-old! After her husband of 42 years passed, she decided to finally chase the childhood dream she put on hold. Evelyn faced a lot of rejection at first, but was finally given a chance at Mesa Airlines in 1999. She is now an inspiration to older women who are considering a new venture in their later lives. A great reminder that it is never too late to follow your passion!

Wilma Mankiller was the first woman to be elected as Principal Chief of the Cherokee nation in 1985. For ten years as chief, Wilma focused on education, job opportunities, and healthcare for her people. Wilma was a woman who realized her true purpose later in life and then fully embraced the philosophy of ‘Ga-Dugi’ – which translates to “in a good way.” She was someone who humbly overcame great obstacles to give a voice to her people.

Wilma’s legacy and positive philosophy lives on through her autobiography, Mankiller: A Chief and Her People.

Mary McLeod Bethune strongly believed that education was the answer to racial advancement. She tirelessly worked toward this goal her whole life as an educator and civil rights activist. Mary founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute in 1904, which later became Bethune-Cookman College. She also founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935 at 60-years-old. Her achievements are especially remarkable considering she was a child of formerly enslaved people and the first of her family to go to school. Perhaps, she is the best reminder that absolutely anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

Senior living in Collingswood, NJ

At UMC at Collingswood, our assisted living residents can continue to live a full and independent life. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment in which our residents can pursue their hobbies, passions, and interests, while receiving the care they need. As seen in the senior women above, it is never too late to start a new journey. At UMC, you can focus on your passion, while we focus on providing the best care possible.

For more information about UMC at Collingswood, our senior living community in Camden County, New Jersey, please contact our team today. Discover why so many people choose us as their trusted assisted living community by visiting our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/camden-county-assisted-living-community/

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