Sister Marceline Mattingly turns 100!

As she entered Providence Dining Room, Sister Marceline Mattingly had a gleam in her eyes.

She glanced around the dining hall as several Sisters of Providence and staff members were arriving in preparation for a celebration.

Monday, Nov. 23, was Sister Marceline’s special day as she celebrated her 100th birthday!

“It has finally arrived,” Sister Marceline said.

Sister Marceline was born in Henderson, Kentucky. She has been a Sister of Providence for 82 years, entering the Congregation in 1933.

On Monday, Sister Marceline joined Sister Mary Esther Lane as both turned 100 this year. Sister Mary Esther celebrated her 100th birthday in April.

“I told Sister Mary Esther to hold on; we have to make it to 100!” Sister Marceline said, recalling a conversation she had with Sister Mary Esther earlier this year.

As Sister Marceline sat in a chair in the middle of Providence Dining Room, guests entered and each greeted her with a hug and a birthday wish.

In return, Sister Marceline greeted each guest wearing a nice pair of birthday glasses she received from a niece. The glasses were shaped in the number 100 and were bright pink.

“It’s her joy of life that is infectious,” General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson said. “She’s really just phenomenal. She really has happiness for life.”

Sister Cathy Campbell traveled from Indianapolis to celebrate with Sister Marceline. While Sister Cathy was at Immaculata High School in Washington, D.C., she was a student of Sister Marceline.

“She always had a delightful presence,” Sister Cathy said. “She has a great sense of humor and she was a great teacher. She has lived freely in her faith.”

Sister Marceline said her family has a history of long lives. Her mother lived to be 106 and her grandfather lived to be 94.

“My attitude toward life is I’ve always been a positive person. I didn’t sweat the small stuff. My faith is strong. I made the best decision of my life when I entered the Sisters of Providence 82 years ago.”

Cake, 100 birthday decorated cookies, cupcakes, punch and snacks were served to everyone. The 100 cookies came from form students of Sister Marceline. They also sent her a card which included notes from each student.

Sister Marceline said she intends to respond to all with the help of another former student.

Also, a former student of Sister Marceline’s – Monica McManus – recently interviewed her on turning 100.

Here are more photos from Sister Marceline’s birthday!

Sister Marceline birthday cake

Sister Marceline (left) and Sister Cathy Campbell

Sister Marceline tastes the punch

Sister Marceline (left) is greeted by Providence Associate Sheila Donis

Sister Marceline (left) and dear friend Sister Mary Louise O’Connor

Posing by the cake

Sister Marceline receives a greeting from Sister Mary Lois Hennel

Sister Mary Imelda Coulup (seated) joins the celebration with Sister My Huong Pham

Sister Marceline (left) welcomes Sister Mary Imelda

Sister Marceline receives a hug from Sister Adele Beacham

Sister Marceline (center) with members of her family

Sister Marceline (standing) with Sister Mary Esther Lane, who turned 100 earlier this year.

Sister Dorothy Wolsiffer (left), Sister Marceline, Sister Mary Lou Ruck (right) and Sister Amata Dugan (seated)

Sister Marceline (right) with Sister Sheila FitzSimons

Sister Marceline posing with a gift – some bottles of Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola bottle also turned 100 this year. The gift was provided by Sister Carol Lindly and Sister Jody O’Neil

Sister Marceline (right) with Sister Lisa Stallings