Freedom Village at Brandywine celebrated an incredible milestone for one of its longest-standing residents, Blanche McKee, who turned 100 years old on Halloween.

As she marks her centennial, Freedom Village is proud to share highlights from Blanche’s life journey, from her humble beginnings on an Iowa farm to her impactful career in nursing, and finally, her cherished community at Freedom Village.

 Blanche McKee, whose grandfather immigrated from Holland, was born on an Iowa farm during a time when her family weathered both the Great Depression and a severe drought. Growing up among the cornfields, cattle, and chickens, Blanche enjoyed an early and cherished tradition of attending the Great Iowa State Fair.

 After high school, Blanche took her first job in a medical practice, sparking a passion for healthcare.

She pursued nursing at the University of Iowa, became a Registered Nurse, and served as a cadet nurse in two army hospitals. A move to Philadelphia led her to train in operating room technique at Graduate Hospital, where she spent five years working in the OR.

At the historical Arch Street Presbyterian Church, she met her husband, William McKee, with whom she raised three daughters, Beth, Mary and Linda. Today, Blanche’s legacy includes five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

 Blanche and William eventually found their ideal home at Freedom Village at Brandywine, where they moved in just two weeks after the community opened its doors over 25 years ago.

Since William’s passing, Blanche has continued to embrace life in her cozy condo, accompanied by her cat Susie. She also cherishes the memories of her friendship with Kermit Goode, who she met at Freedom Village following William’s passing and with whom she spent summers in Maine. Kermit and William are both gone now, but they live on in Blanche’s many memories.

 “As a vibrant member of the Freedom Village family, Blanche is celebrated for her resilience, warmth, and the many memories she has shared with family and friends,” said Freedom Village Executive Director Danielle Geyer. “Freedom Village at Brandywine is honored to recognize Blanche on her 100th birthday, highlighting her extraordinary life and the enduring friendships she has built.”

Freedom Village at Brandywine is a retirement community in West Brandywine, Pennsylvania, offering a wide variety of residential options, a wealth of exceptional services and amenities, and a full calendar of activities—all just minutes from the many attractions, charming villages, and historic destinations of Chester County’s Brandywine Valley.

As a life care community, Freedom Village at Brandywine makes aging in place simple, where residents can seamlessly transition from independent living to personal care, memory care and long-term care as health needs change.