Celebrating 103 Remarkable Years: Happy Birthday, Anita Schlesinger!
Written and Photographed By Nancy Clover
Think about all the history you've witnessed in your lifetime. Now imagine seeing the world change over 103 years.
This Wednesday, Melrose celebrated a truly extraordinary resident as Anita Schlesinger turns 103 years old. Fewer than one-half of one percent of baby girls born today are expected to reach their 103rd birthday, making Anita's milestone not just rare, but remarkable.
Anita has called Melrose home for more than 50 years and is beloved by family, friends, neighbors, and the staff at The Residence at Melrose Station, where she now lives.
Today, Mayor Jen Grigoraitis and Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian honored Anita with a special certificate presentation, followed by a birthday celebration at noon. Joining her will be about 20 family members, friends, neighbors, and staff members who have become like family. And on the menu? Lobster rolls — Anita's favorite!
Born in 1923, Anita graduated from high school in 1941 and married just two years later. She and her husband, whom she met while roller skating, built a wonderful family together. Anita raised seven children — six boys and one daughter, Diane — and today enjoys a growing family that includes grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Despite being 103, Anita remains sharp, social, and competitive. She's an enthusiastic Rummikub player and still enjoys monthly casino trips around New England with her son.
Over her lifetime, Anita has witnessed some of history's most incredible changes. She saw automobiles become commonplace, highways connect the country, television enter nearly every home, computers transform daily life, and even watched humans walk on the moon. Through it all, she never drove a car herself.
Instead, she walked. Every day, Anita would walk from her home on Lebanon Street to downtown Melrose, a habit she believes helped contribute to her long and healthy life. She fondly remembers enjoying meals at Papa Gino's.
When asked about the secret to her longevity, Anita's answer is simple: prayer, a positive attitude, friendliness, and a good sense of humor. A longtime member of St. Mary's Parish, she now watches Mass from home but remains deeply connected to her faith.
In a world that often moves too fast, Anita reminds us of the timeless values that matter most: family, faith, kindness, laughter, and staying connected to the community around us.
Please join us in wishing Anita Schlesinger a very happy 103rd birthday. What an incredible life, what an incredible woman, and what an incredible milestone for Melrose to celebrate.
Happy 103rd Birthday, Anita! Here's to a life well lived and a legacy that continues to inspire all of us.
