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)

Local woman turns the big 100

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.

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.

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 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 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, 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)

Wilma Gregory in uniform. (Photo provided)

Photo provided Wilma Gregory in uniform.

Photo provided Wilma Gregory in uniform.

More in News

Retired Biologist and former manager of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge will “Looking Back, Looking Forward,” a talk about his solo trip on the Yukon River, on Tuesday evening at the Refuge headquarters in Soldotna. The Homer-based nonprofit organization Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges is hosting a virtual watch party in Homer. Photo courtesy of Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges
Looking back, looking forward

Robin West will give a talk about his 30-year career Tuesday evening at the Kenai refuge headquarters and virtually.

A recent photo of Anesha "Duffy" Murnane, missing since Oct. 17, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo provided, Homer Police Department)
Calderwood pleads guilty to murder of Homer woman

Kirby Calderwood pleaded guilty to the 2019 murder of Anesha “Duffy” Murnane on Feb. 5, four years after his arrest in 2022.

State of Alaska Department of Law logo. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Law
Kenai man sentenced for sexual abuse charges

Ollie Garrett, 62, will serve 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minor.

teaser
Seward student to present salt brine alternative to Alaska Senate

Hannah Leatherman, winner of the 35th annual Caring for the Kenai competition, will travel to Juneau to present her idea to the Senate transportation committee.

Jan Krehel waves at cars passing by as she holds a "Stand With Minnesota" banner during the "ICE OUT" demonstration on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at WKFL Park in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Homer stands with Minneapolis

Nearly 300 people took part in an “ICE OUT” demonstration on Sunday.

Nikolaevsk School is photographed on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Nikolaevsk, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
State school board approves Nikolaevsk charter

The Alaska State Board of Education held a special meeting on Jan. 22.

State of Alaska Department of Law logo. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Law
Indiana man arrested after Alaska indictment for sexual felonies

Jacob Lemaitre, 29, faces numerous criminal charges related to sexual abuse allegations in Soldotna and Elkhart County, Indiana.

teaser
Juneau protestors urge lawmakers to defund Homeland Security after Minneapolis killings

Hundreds gathered hours before congressional delegation voted on whether to extend ICE funding.

File photo.
Kenai man sentenced to 66 years for 2022 murder

Kevin Park pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for the killing of Stephanie Henson.

Most Read