Local centenarian treated to special 101st birthday celebration

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JUDIE NUSSBAUM

Dorothy E. Gerber celebrates her 101st birthday April 17.

DGKN staff report

In 2020, Dorothy E. Gerber celebrated her 100th birthday more than a month in to the COVID-19 pandemic when the world was beginning to shut down, facial coverings were becoming the norm, and people were making social distancing a habit.

The centenarian’s special day didn’t go unnoticed.

Gerber received many birthday cards, according to information provided by her daughter, Judie Nussbaum. The OrrVilla resident was treated to a 25-car birthday parade and people blessed her with honking horns, balloons and creative signs with birthday wishes, Nussbaum wrote. OrrVilla also honored her in their dining room where she shared her birthday cake with residents and staff.

Gerber turns 101 on April 17.

The pandemic continues. But this time around, she is able to get out for her birthday.

Gerber’s family plans to take her for a drive to the homes of her family members where she will be greeted with birthday wishes while remaining in her car. Of course, there will be cake and ice cream along the way, Nussbaum wrote.

Gerber’s family includes three daughters and their spouses: Judie and Richard Nussbaum, Cathie and Wes Braun, Lenie and Ron Nussbaum; eight grandchildren and their spouses, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Dorothy and Leonard E. Gerber were married on Oct. 12, 1941. Leonard died Jan. 1, 2008. The couple enjoyed traveling. Dorothy also enjoyed gardening, observing nature, quilting, baking “her delicious chocolate chip cookies,” and Bible Study Fellowship, according to Nussbaum.

“She is always up for a drive through the OARDC arboretum to view the beautiful crab apple blossoms in May and a drive in October to enjoy the wonder of the colorful leaves,” Nussbaum wrote.

Anyone is welcome to mail her birthday wishes:
Dorothy Gerber
#208
OrrVilla Maple Terrace
333 E Sassafras St.
Orrville, OH 44667