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Louise Keller, a resident at Somerset Court of Mocksville, turned 100 years old and the assisted living community she calls home teamed up with the Town of Mocksville to make sure she felt the love on her special day, even while keeping a safe distance of six feet apart.

Mocksville police and fire departments led a parade through the parking lot of Somerset Court of Mocksville, inviting area groups and organizations to join in with Keller’s family, friends and neighbors to celebrate her big day. Infection-control measures remained in place at the community during the celebration.

Louise wore a mask and sat under the shade of the entrance at Somerset Court of Mocksville as she waved as fire engines, police cars, signs, banners and smiling faces rode by wishing her a happy birthday. The community was decorated with banners and balloons to celebrate Keller, and staff said they loved to see the joy in her eyes.

“We were happy to organize this special parade for a very special woman,” said Angel Parris, life enrichment coordinator for the community. “Louise has been a resident of Somerset Court of Mocksville and has been so much fun to care for.”

Louise loves to share her personal stories of working during World War II making ammo for the American troops off at war. She has raised two children and several cats she is proud to talk about, as well.  The staff at the community have special bond with Keller, Parrish said, and knew they couldn’t miss out on celebrating her 100-year-milestone.

“We organized to have fresh red roses delivered, which are Louise’s favorite flowers, had someone donate an outfit for her to wear as well as arranged to blow-up some of her personal history to line the streets so the parade goers could see Louise through the years,” Parrish said. “We just wanted to make it a very special occasion, but also a safe one.”

Debbie Weldon Embler, daughter of Louise Keller,  took to her personal Facebook to talk about the parade put on by Somerset Court of Mocksville.

“Can not believe all the wonderful things the staff at Somerset Court of Mocksville did for her today including a new outfit, hair and makeup,” Embler wrote in her post. “Someone even gave her a plushie cat. They are wonderful.”