ANNA MARIA — Mary Seine is officially 90 years young.
It was standing room-only April 22 in the Roser Memorial Community Church fellowship hall as Seine celebrated her 90th birthday with lots of ice cream for her and cake for everyone else.
Festivities began with a potluck luncheon followed by a proclamation from Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Commissioner Dale Woodland declaring April 22 Mary Louise Seine Day.
Murphy congratulated Seine on her big day, thanking her for her contributions to the community, labeling her as “the Island’s role model” for her civic participation and commitment to lessening traffic by riding her bicycle instead of driving a car.
“She really is a very special lady,” Murphy said.
For her part, Seine was surprised by the overwhelming community response she received.
“I didn’t expect all of this,” Seine said after receiving a standing ovation after a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” was sung by nearly 100 guests. “I just asked to have my birthday party here. This is wonderful.”