For Her 108th Birthday, Send Homewood's Oldest Resident A Card

HOMEWOOD, IL —The Village of Homewood will celebrate Mary Cantway’s 108th birthday on Sept. 30, and the village is asking residents, community members, and anyone interested in celebrating her birthday, to send a birthday card to Homewood Village Hall (2020 Chestnut Road, Homewood, Ill. 60430) before Sept. 30. Mayor Richard Hofeld will hand deliver the birthday cards to Cantway on her birthday.

“Mary is incredibly sharp! She is an absolute pleasure to talk to and Homewood is lucky to have her as our oldest resident,” said Mayor Richard Hofeld. “She and I have had many conversations over the years, and each time we visit I leave with a smile on my face!”

Cantway moved to Homewood in 1957 and has resided in the same home for 65 years. Cantway, and her husband Elmo, raised two children Donald and Linda. Cantway has 6 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Up until 2019, Cantway was a regular member at the H-F Racquet Club.

When asked what the secret was to a long, fulfilled life Cantway giggled and said, “I went to exercise every day. I swam at the racquet club until I couldn’t anymore. I swam until I was around 105 years old. But, my doctor still makes me exercise with leg lifts.” Cantway drinks a Gatorade Zero every day, specifically the orange flavor.