Sister Mary Esther Lane turns 100!

Sister Mary Esther Lane (center) turned 100 on Saturday, April 11. She is with General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson (standing) and Sister Joyce Brophy.

For a day, she was “Queen Esther!”

On Saturday, April 11, Sister Mary Esther Lane turned 100 years old. The Sisters of Providence had a birthday party for Sister Mary Esther and Sister Agnes Mary Raetz – who turned 83 on Friday, April 10 – at Providence Health Care, where both sisters reside.

Sister Mary Esther arrived into the dining hall at Providence Health Care to cheers from sisters, Providence Associates and staff.
“100 years?!” Sister Mary Esther exclaimed.

After Sister Mary Esther sat down, staff served cupcakes, cake, snacks and punch to everyone.

Sister Agnes Mary Raetz turned 83 on Friday, April 10.

Everyone at the party then sang “Happy Birthday,” to both Sister Mary Esther and Sister Agnes Mary.

Sister Mary Esther wore a tiara during the celebration. She admitted someone sneaked the crown into her room after her lunch.

“This is all a surprise for me,” Sister Mary Esther said. “I didn’t know what to expect.”

Sister Mary Esther has been a Sister of Providence for 83 years. She entered the Congregation in 1933.

When asked about the secret to living, Sister Mary Esther was adamant.

“You just try to do the best that you can.”