Woman to celebrate turning 100 years old on her 25th birthday

Last week, Mary Lea Forsythe of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, received recognition from the Centenarians of Oklahoma and was presented with a city proclamation celebrating her 100th birthday, despite having only experienced 25 actual birthdays.

This unusual occurrence stems from Forsythe's birth on Feb 29, 1924, a date that occurs once every four years, known as leap years.

Reflecting on her quadrennial birthday, Forsythe expressed gratitude, saying, "I always felt blessed." She explained that in non-leap years, she would celebrate her birthday two or three times over, enjoying the flexibility to celebrate whenever she pleased. Forsythe mentioned occasions when she celebrated on days surrounding her birthdate, including on her late husband's birthday, March 6.

Recalling a humorous incident, Forsythe recounted a time when she and her husband, William Wayne Forsythe, took advantage of a diner's offer of free breakfast for birthday celebrants on his birthdate. When questioned by the server about their dual birthday claim, Forsythe cleverly replied, "His birthday is March 6, and mine is Feb. 29. And there is no 29th on the calendar this year. So, mine is March 6." Their quick thinking earned them a complimentary meal that day.

The celebration of Forsythe's 100th birthday was hosted by the Osage Hills Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, an organization in which she actively participates. The event attracted significant attention from the press, including an interview with the local news station.

Born, raised, and residing her entire life in Sand Springs, Forsythe's passions include music and the Bible. She fondly reminisced about her husband, whom she married in 1942 and described as her high school sweetheart, praising his handsome looks and exceptional bass voice.

Forsythe, an alto singer herself, often accompanied her husband in singing with banjo bands in neighboring communities and at upscale restaurants in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A mother of two, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother of 11, Forsythe pursued various careers, including working as a law firm secretary, obtaining a real estate license, and later becoming a published author.

As she approaches her 100th birthday celebration on Feb. 29 at her local church, Forsythe expressed difficulty in narrowing down the guest list. She humbly requested, "No gifts, please. I don't want anything to store."

Reflecting on the upcoming milestone, Forsythe remarked, "Oh, it's just a fun time to live. I'll tell you, it's a great time to live."