Caledonia Argus

Wilkins, Strub still cutting cake at 103, 95 years old

Posted: 3/5/02

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

Itís unusual to see sisters as old as Sarah Wilkins, 103, and Marcella Strub, 95, out and about cutting cake at wedding receptions.

But this was a special wedding, says Bonnie (Bakewell) Mulholland, who said if she ever got married again (after a divorce 21 years ago), she would like Wilkins to cut her cake.

Mulholland made her own cake and was married on her birthday, February 28. The reception was held on March 2, at the New Albin Community Center.

Wilkins had a light stroke a week before the reception. ìShe bounced right back. She was bound and determined to cut my cake,î explained Mulholland.

When asked when was the last time she had cut cake, Wilkins said, ìFor my own self, just yesterday. I didnít bake it, though.î

Mulholland has known Wilkins for over 30 years and described her as a second mom.

Wilkins said sheís feeling good. ìI am (feeling good) for my age. I canít see or hear. Itís really going to make it hard for me,î she said.

When asked what was the secret to long life, Wilkins said quite confidently, ìAn aspirin a day since I was four. I asked my mom what these little white things are for and she said, ëOk you can have an aspirin a day.í I never thought to give it to my own three daughters.î

Wilkins explained that she had migraine headaches as a child, but stopped having them after giving birth to her youngest child at age 38.

She said sheís surprised to have lived this long.

Strub says the secret to her long life may be ëjust living lifeí. She has plenty of hobbies that keep her busy like baking, canning and crocheting.

About cutting cake she said, ìI was happy just because I thought so much of Bonnie and Ray.î

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