Bridgewater Resident Celebrates 105th Birthday

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — CareOne at Somerset Valley celebrated the 105th birthday of one of their residents, Margaret Schneebacher.

The assisted living facility at 1621 Route 22 held a celebration with a special proclamation from Bound Brook Mayor Dominic Longo. Bridgewater Councilman Michael Kirsh also made an appearance.

Schneebacher is a lifelong New Jersey resident, having spent her childhood in the Newark area during the Depression.

After high school, she got a job at the Prudential Insurance company where she stayed until she was married in 1940 (at that time, companies did not allow women to continue working once married).

Her husband was drafted during WWII, and once he returned, they moved to Middlesex where they raised a family. She lived there for 70 years before deciding to move to CareOne’s assisted living community following her husband’s death.

At 105, Schneebacher loves to play cards. She plays with the CareOne team and her family when they visit — specifically poker with her 11-year-old great-grandson. She loves to read and will leave her thoughts on books for the next reader in CareOne.

Schneebacher loves to be independent and care for herself, but gets the most joy from visits from her eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Her newest granddaughter born this year is named Margaret – an honor she is truly proud of.

Schneebacher also notes her secret to a long life is avoiding alcohol and red meat.