A resident of Cheltenham Township is scheduled to be recognized by the Township today.

“Cheltenham Township Commissioner Ann Rappaport (Ward 4) will present Ms. Hilda Gecker with a resolution from the Cheltenham Township Board of Commissioners in honor of her 100th birthday, along with a birthday cake to enjoy with other residents in celebration of this milestone,” according to a statement from Cheltenham Township.

The brief ceremony, according to the statement, is scheduled to take place from 12:30 PM to 12:45 PM today at the Samuel A. Green House, pictured above, at 1509 Ashbourne Road in Elkins Park.

“Ms. Hilda Gecker resided on East Oak Lane in Philadelphia for most of her life, until moving to Elkins Park in Cheltenham in 2012,” detailed the statement from the Township.  “Ms. Gecker was the first resident to move into the Samuel A. Green House, a residence providing 88 apartments for low to moderate income seniors in Cheltenham Township.”

“Ms. Gecker was married for 50 years to her husband Mr. Isadore Gecker, a World War II veteran who passed away in 2004,” the statement continued. “Ms. Gecker has two children; Ms. Judith Gratz, who resides in Wyncote in Cheltenham Township and Mr. Marc Gecker.”

According to the statement, “Ms. Gecker raised funds at Deborah Heart & Lung Center in New Jersey.  She served as the recording secretary, events coordinator, newsletter writer, and president for over 25 years.   Ms. Gecker also knitted hats, socks, and sweaters to donate to newborn babies at St. Christopher’s Hospital and at CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia).  Now Ms. Gecker supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that gives free care to children with cancer and other pediatric diseases.”

The photograph is provided courtesy of Federation Housing.