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Local woman turns the big 100

Published 4:04 am Monday, April 30, 2018

By McKibben Jackinsky

Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly President Kelly Cooper, left, of Homer presents Wilma Gregory, right, of Homer with a borough proclamation naming Saturday Wilma Gregory Day in honor of Gregory’s 100th birthday. Friends and family celebrated with Gregory at a birthday party held at McNeil Canyon Elementary School. (Photo by McKibben Jackinsky)
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Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly President Kelly Cooper, left, of Homer presents Wilma Gregory, right, of Homer with a borough proclamation naming Saturday Wilma Gregory Day in honor of Gregory’s 100th birthday. Friends and family celebrated with Gregory at a birthday party held at McNeil Canyon Elementary School. (Photo by McKibben Jackinsky)
Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly President Kelly Cooper, left, of Homer presents Wilma Gregory, right, of Homer with a borough proclamation naming Saturday Wilma Gregory Day in honor of Gregory’s 100th birthday. Friends and family celebrated with Gregory at a birthday party held at McNeil Canyon Elementary School. (Photo by McKibben Jackinsky)
Photo by McKibben Jackinsky Eileen Faulkner, left, of American Legion Post 16 in Homer visits with Wilma Gregory of Homer, right, who turned 100 on Saturday.
Wilma Gregory on her wedding day. (Photo provided)
Wilma Gregory celebrates her 100th birthday Saturday by serenading family and friends to “Mockingbird Hill” played on her accordion. The celebration was held at McNeil Canyon School. (Photo by McKibben Jackinsky)
Wilma Gregory, center, cuts into a cake in celebration of her 100th birthday on Saturday. Helping are Gregory’s daughters Janice Taylor of Juneau, left, and Gayle Forrest of Homer, right. Friend Randi Somers of Homer, back, looks on. (Photo by McKibben Jackinsky)
Wilma Gregory in uniform. (Photo provided)
Photo provided Wilma Gregory in uniform.

When it comes to strong women, Homer has a former Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly president, city council members, scientists, business owners and teachers. They fly our planes, captain our boats and keep us physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. They cook our meals and make our morning coffee. They guide our lives and the lives of coming generations.

Wilma Strom Gregory is one of those women. A resident of Homer since 1958, a resident of the planet since 1918.

On Saturday, birthday greetings poured in from across the state and beyond, and friends and family joined Gregory for her 100th birthday party at McNeil Canyon Elementary School.

“She’s not one to give speeches and you won’t find her name in history books. But her life speaks louder than words,” said Burt Gregory, honoring his mother in his 2009 valedictorian speech at the Kachemak Bay Campus of Kenai Peninsula College.

For the rest of this story, visit the Homer News.

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