Madison Manor resident turns 100

Mary McMaster blows out the candles on her birthday cake.

Madison Manor Nursing Home resident Mary McMaster has seen a lot of things and seen the world change dramatically during her 100 years, but that’s not slowing her down.

McMaster, who was named the 2010 Ms. Madison Manor Queen, celebrated her 100th birthday Sept. 8 with a party at the nursing home.

McMaster moved to the Madison nursing home 2 ? years ago after suffering a fall at her home in Taylorville, Ill.

However, she lived by herself until she was 97, and Madison Manor Social Services Director Nancy Lawler said it is that demeanor and spirit that makes McMaster such a joy to be around.

“She has that personality that you only live once,” Lawler said. “She always says you should try different things.”

In fact, Lawler demonstrates that attitude everyday at the home, doing things like painting her fingernails and toenails eccentric colors.

McMaster is also computer savvy, and uses the technology any chance she can get.

“If you’re 100 and use a computer, you’re doing pretty well,” Lawler said.

McMaster’s daughter, Karen Carl of Madison, was also on hand for the celebration Thursday, and Carl said McMaster would even chat with her through AOL instant messenger up until the day she left Illinois.

“She’s kind of remarkable,” Carl said.

During her younger years, McMaster enjoyed playing the piano, although she didn’t read music and only played by ear. She also enjoyed golfing, archery, painting and amateur radio.

These days, the mother of four, who still gets around with the use of a walker, enjoys watching birds and being with others at the home.

And she has no plans of slowing down any time soon.

“I still feel pretty good,” McMaster said.