A Century of Grace: Juniper Village at Mount Joy Honors Two Residents Who Turned 100

Juniper Village at Mount Joy is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone for two of its residents, Nina “Claire” Reese, and Marian Soutner, who each turned 100 years old in May. These centenarians, born in 1925, have lived through monumental moments in history, each leaving their own unique imprint on the world and inspiring those around them with stories of resilience, grace, and wisdom.

Nina “Claire” Reese, born May 22, 1925, in Hazlehurst, Georgia, fondly remembers summers spent swimming in the lake and a childhood without television, where books and fishing were daily delights. “I loved fishing or reading books,” Claire recalls. As a young woman, she found joy in swing dancing, proudly graduated from high school, and became known for her talents as a seamstress, cook, and baker.

Now at 100, Claire enjoys the simple pleasures of life, reading her favorite novel Gone with the Wind, listening to music, and soaking in the fresh air. When asked what she is most proud of, she does not hesitate: “My family.” Her advice to younger generations? “Be on your good behavior,” and always treasure a strong family support system.

Marian Soutner, who celebrated her 100th birthday on May 3, 2025, grew up in Marysville, PA during the Great Depression. She remembers the frugality of those times: “I would never have asked my father for a 5-cent candy,” she said with a smile, though candy remains her favorite treat.

A lifelong volunteer and music lover, Marian played piano at her church's Sunday school and found fulfillment in giving back through the Silver Spring Ambulance & Rescue Association and her church. She proudly served the Federal Government for over 35 years and later became the secretary of the local chapter of the Federal Retirees Association.

Marian’s favorite book is the Bible, and she finds joy in church hymns and memories of growing blueberries in her yard. When asked about the key to longevity, she shared: “Volunteering and being a part of the WCTV – Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.”

Marian was also featured in a special oral history project by the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library, sharing her experience as a woman during World War II: Read Her Story Here.

Juniper Village at Mount Joy is proud to honor women like Claire and Marian by sharing their stories and shining a light on the inspiring lives they have lived. Their journeys reflect the values of resilience, purpose, and community that define Juniper residents and enrich the fabric of their campus every day.

Located at 607 Hearthstone Lane, Mount Joy, PA 17552, Juniper Village at Mount Joy offers exceptional personal care and senior living on a beautiful nine-acre campus in Lancaster County. To learn more, please call (717) 928-8575 or visit www.junipercommunities.com.

About Juniper Communities

Juniper Communities, a leader in quality, value, and innovation, operates senior living communities in Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas that emphasize residents’ well-being, interaction, and security. Our communities and approach to housing and care offers residents the opportunity to live a full life, regardless of age or health. Juniper’s innovative Connect4Life program has been proven to improve residents’ care by decreasing hospitalizations, re-hospitalizations, and urgent care visits, while offering potential cost savings to public programs such as Medicare. To learn more about the many ways Juniper Communities innovates in support of our residents, visit www.junipercommunities.com.