By Julia Train
Doris Clark of Mays Landing celebrated her 102nd birthday on Thursday, Nov. 21. Born in 1922, Clark’s life spans more than a century of change, living through the Great Depression and World War II.
Clark’s early years were marked by hardship, as she was born and grew up in the Roaring ‘20s, a decade that was followed by the Great Depression. Her education was interrupted when the economic strain forced her to leave school after seventh grade to help support her family.
During World War II, Clark stayed home as her husband—who she married when she was 19 and he was 20—was in battle. She worked at the Bulova Watch Factory in Philadelphia, which shifted to producing bombs as the war ramped up. At the factory, Clark became a shift leader.
When the war ended, Clark moved with her family from Philadelphia to a house on the lake in Mays Landing. She spent over 30 years working as a lunch lady in the Mays Landing School District.
Clark said she doesn’t see much of a difference in the world she grew up in and the one today. However, she does believe that children today don’t show the same level of respect to their elders that previous generations did. She was quick to point out that her own upbringing involved a deep respect for parents and elders, a principle she still values today.
When asked about the secret to living a long life, Clark insists that there’s no magic formula—just a commitment to kindness and healthy habits.
“I have no secrets. Just be kind to everybody,” she said.
She’s never smoked or drank much, and after her husband passed away 30 years ago, Clark adopted a healthier lifestyle, including a diet that emphasizes lean proteins like chicken and avoids red meat.
Her husband, who passed away at 66 years old from an abdominal aneurysm, had a history of smoking and heavy drinking, which Clark believes contributed to his early death.
Clark’s family is a central part of her life, and she encourages others to spend time with loved ones. She enjoys the company of her children and grandchildren and has fond memories of traveling with friends to see Elvis Presley impersonators across the country.
Although Clark’s three children live in other states, she maintains a strong bond with her family, who continue to care for her and support her as she navigates her 100s.
Her daughter, Denise, described her as a loving mother who always put her family first. Denise noted that her mother never remarried after her husband’s passing, choosing instead to focus on her children and her health. She recalled how, after her father’s death, Clark took it upon herself to travel and enjoy life, going on numerous bus trips with friends.
Despite being a woman of few words when it comes to advice, Clark advises younger people to be kind to others, respect their elders and focus on family.
Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at juliatrainmedia@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
