Leander Community Celebrates Woman's 100th Birthday

LEANDER, TX - One Leander woman recently celebrated her milestone membership into the “centenarian’s club.” On Nov. 20, Freda Coate celebrated her 100th birthday at Riva Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care Center in Leander.

Representatives from several city, state and military organizations joined Coate's family and friends to honor her life's accomplishments.

Coate was born in 1919 near Danville, Illinois and served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps during World War II. She later worked as a nurse for the Danville VA Medical Center for more than 25 years.

A lot has obviously changed over the last century. When Coate was born in 1919, the average price of bread was just 10 cents, butter cost 68 cents, and eggs sold for 63 cents. A middle-class family made about $1,500 per year. Alcohol was also made illegal in 1919 thanks to the National Prohibition Act, movies were silent, women could not vote, the minimum wage didn’t exist and the civil rights movement, which called for an end to racial discrimination, was still about 30 years away.

Mayor Pro Tem Chris Czernek presented Coate with a proclamation recognizing her for a lifetime of service and achievements.

To view additional photos from the birthday celebration, click here.