CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Virginia Cadd, a lifelong West Virginian born in Nitro on Aug. 13, 1919, marked her 107th birthday on Thursday with family around her and a certificate from Gov. Patrick Morrisey recognizing what officials describe as an extraordinary milestone.
Family, routine and recognition
Surrounded by daughters, extended family and friends, Cadd celebrated in a familiar spot — a dining room seat she has occupied since moving into her current residence six years ago. Loved ones said the ritual of receiving birthday cards and sharing time at that table are among the things that continue to bring her joy.
“The congratulations just keep coming,” Cadd’s daughters Jeannette Bowen and Linda Metz said. “She's just fortunate so many people care. They really do. She's just thrilled about it. The birthday cards are her thing. It's not about the gift. It's about the bond and about the idea. Someone took the time to send a beautiful card. That means a lot.”
In a statement issued through the governor’s office, Morrisey noted Cadd’s long life and what it represents for family and community. “At 107 years young, she continues to live with remarkable independence and a sharp mind,” the statement said, adding that it was a privilege to join the family in celebrating her milestone.
Context and local impact
Centenarians receive attention not only for their longevity but for the connections they maintain across generations. Cadd’s household history and living family members — two children, one grandchild and two great-grandchildren, according to the governor’s release — reflect that multi-generational link to the region.
Events like this often prompt conversations in communities about aging, caregiving and the social networks that sustain older residents. In small West Virginia towns and cities, long-lived residents frequently become living links to local history and shared memory, drawing neighbors together for celebrations and remembrances.
Facts about Virginia Cadd
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Virginia Cadd |
| Date of birth | Aug. 13, 1919 |
| Age | 107 years |
| Birthplace | Nitro, W.Va. |
| Immediate family | Two living children, one grandchild, two great-grandchildren |
| Residence | Current long-term care residence (since approx. six years ago) |
Why these milestones matter
Reaching 100 years and beyond is still relatively uncommon in the United States. While census and health data show a growing population of older adults, each centenarian represents a rare accumulation of personal history — and often a lifetime of local contributions through work, family and civic life.
For communities, these anniversaries are opportunities to highlight elder care services, celebrate continuity across generations and acknowledge the networks — from family caretakers to assisted-living staff — that support older residents’ quality of life.
Community reactions and tradition
At Cadd’s celebration, family members emphasized small traditions more than any grand gesture. The steady stream of greeting cards stood out in their remarks as an emotional touchstone. Those simple communications, her daughters said, reinforce the bonds that have supported Cadd through more than a century.
- Generational ties: Two children, one grandchild and two great-grandchildren were listed in official materials.
- Local recognition: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s office issued a certificate honoring her 107th birthday.
- Daily routine: She continues to enjoy meals and time in the same dining spot she has used since moving into the residence years ago.
As state residents celebrated her birthday, officials and family members framed the day as a moment to honor a life that spans more than a century of American and West Virginia history. For Cadd herself, the emphasis remained on connection and the simple pleasure of mail from people who remembered her.
Colton Ferris, State Correspondent
