BY CHRISTA ASSI

DeLandite and World War II nurse cadet Marjorie “Margie” Ambrister celebrated her 100th birthday Sept. 13 among friends and family at CERTUS Premier Memory Care Living in Orange City. Ambrister was a nurse cadet in World War II and is known for being a family-loving, talkative social butterfly.

Ambrister’s birthday party included cake, games, gifts and plenty of reminiscing.

Her daughters, Angela Hyde and Susan Ambrister, were happy to see the excitement on their mother’s face during her special day. The two even shared how they have not heard her speak this much in some time.

“We’re so proud of her and everything she has done,” Angela Hyde said.

After serving in WWII, Margie Ambrister continued her legacy in her hometown of LaGrange, Georgia, working at a hospital. It was there she met Susan Ambrister and Angela Hyde’s father. The two retired together in Florida in 1988, and she lived in DeLand from then on.

Her daughters spoke of fond memories and even shared a few laughs. From jokes about their mother wanting a boyfriend, to her being the family matchmaker. And Margie Ambrister doesn’t drink, she doesn’t smoke, but she loved going to Las Vegas to play slot machines.

Margie Ambrister is dearly loved by the people around her and is known for always taking care of others. Whenever anyone needed help, her daughters said, the 100-year-old former nurse was always the first to offer a hand.

After Margie Ambrister lived in several nursing homes prior, Susan Ambrister shared how the staff at CERTUS Premier Memory Care Living has engaged with her mother and ensured she is in good hands.

“This is the one place that has actually gotten her involved,” Susan Ambrister said.

Margie Ambrister has now resided at CERTUS Premier Memory Care Living for three years.