A Centennial Celebration: Macomb Woman Celebrates 100 Years

Elvera Irene Brumm of Sterling Heights celebrated her 100th birthday Sunday with family and friends of all ages, including her newest great-great-great grandchild, Jackson, who was born less than two weeks ago. 

Brumm will officially turn 100 on Aug. 27, but a special party was held Sunday at the Martha T. Berry Medical Care Facility to allow her three children, 12 grandchildren, 25 great-great grandchildren and four great-great-great grandchildren to help their matriarch celebrate the milestone.

Local officials, including Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, Sheriff Anthony Wickersham and Sterling Heights Mayor Richard J. Notte, paid tribute to Brumm in person, while President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Sen. Carl Levin, D-MI, and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners sent their best wishes from afar. 

Before cutting the cake, family and friends released a rainbow of 100 balloons into the air to mark the occasion.

A special Sanders hot fudge sundae was also prepared especially for Brumm, as one of her favorite memories growing up in Detroit was treating herself the famous sundaes. Morley Candy, which now owns the Sanders brand, donated 100 jars of hot fudge to the celebration.

Check out our photos and video of the party!

The Story of Elvera Brumm

Born in Detroit in 1911, Brumm was the baby sister of three girls. She married Walter Brumm shortly after high school and the two moved to Sterling Heights to raise their five children: Fred, Mildred, Melvin, Judy and Larry.

The Brumms owned and operated the BB Printing Company on Mack and St. Jean for many years. When the couple sold the business, Elvera Brumm went to work as a supervisor and buyer in the women's wear department at JC Penney. 

When her husband died, she moved to Florida where she continued her active lifestyle, which included dancing, making crafts and riding a three-wheel bike that she used to deliver soup to the sick in her neighborhood.

She was in her 80s when she rode on the back of her nephew's motorcycle and in her early 90s when she danced the bunny hop at a family wedding. 

After being hospitalized for cardiac problems three years ago, she moved to Martha T. Berry.

Congratulations on 100 years, Elvera!

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