Woman who swears by McDonald's twice a week celebrates 101st birthday
A woman has marked a special occasion by celebrating her 101st birthday with a trip to McDonald's.
Gertrude Mary Lillian Hickey Smeltzer is from Chicago, and went with her family to the McDonald's at Navy Pier to mark the special occasion.
After being baptised at St. Columbanus, Gertrude would meet her late husband at a roller skating party.
The pair were parted temporarily in World War Two as he served on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific.
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When he came home, the pair settled down and started a family - raising three children.
Looking after a family saw Gertrude push back her ambition of becoming a nurse, but in her 50s she went back to school to train and pursue her dream.
Her children, including daughter Carolyn Smeltzer and son Jim Smeltzer, say that she always put them first.
Growing up during the Great Depression also taught her strong values.
Carolyn said: “She has the fortitude because she lived through the depression, and she grew up on the South Side of Chicago, so that’s values right there."
As for her choice of birthday venue, Gertrude has long enjoyed visiting the restaurant and goes there twice a week.
And while McDonald's might be hugely popular with children celebrating their birthday, Gertrude shows that you can celebrate your birthday there regardless of which birthday it is.
“I’m happy on my birthday,” a content Gertrude told WGN-TV.
It appears that a long life runs in her family too, as Gertrude is not the only person in her family to reach triple figures.
Her cousin recently marked her 100th birthday, and was very happy with the food during her visit to McDonald's.
It was a milestone for Gertrude's cousin too, as it was the first time she had tried a McDonald's hamburger.
Speaking to WGN-TV, Gertrude's cousin said: “Very good, the pickles are good."
Who says you can't keep trying new things throughout your life!
Gertrude is far from the only centenarian to mark a big birthday at a fast food restaurant.
Lovie Jacobs from West Virginia decided to celebrate her 100th birthday with a slap-up meal at KFC.
Jacobs said: “I love KFC because it tastes so good."
She added: “My 100th birthday was so special because of the food, along with all my family that was there.”
So, if anyone ever tells you you're too old for a McDonald's birthday party - they're wrong.
Kit Roberts