Happy Birthday Jean! Greensburg resident turns 104 and shares life advice

Mom of longtime Batesville resident Paul Ehrman

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – A retirement community resident in Greensburg is celebrating a special birthday on Thursday! 

Jean Ehrman turned 104-years-old and today she celebrated with family, friends and staff members at Morning Breeze Retirement Community.

For those unfamiliar with Jean, she is the mother of longtime Batesville resident Paul Ehrman and is also the grandmother of Luann Helvie, of Batesville.

Jean lived the majority of her life in Carroll County, Indiana, where she worked in a school cafeteria for several years before owning a few different restaurants in the town of Burlington. 

She also served as clerk-treasurer for the Town of Burlington until she retired at the age of 80.

Last year, Jean was still living on her own at the age of 103 when she moved from Lafayette to Greensburg to be closer family. 

While her hearing isn’t as good as it used to be, Jean is still sharp as a tack when it comes to her memory and she doesn’t forget birthdays. 

“A few weeks ago we stopped by and she said don’t forget Brody’s birthday is next week. He is my grandson that lives in Minnesota and turned 17,” Paul laughed.

Paul recently asked his mother, “Of all the years you lived, what was the most difficult time?” 

Perhaps The Great Depression or World War II? Jean’s answer: The COVID-19 Pandemic. 

“When we were in the Great Depression or in a war, we could still go to church and hug each other. During the pandemic, I could touch no one and I felt totally alone,” Jean said. 

Jean’s very first job was picking cotton where she was paid a nickel per bushel. 

Nowadays, she enjoys her new home at the retirement community and spends most of her time reading the Bible and doing puzzle books. 

“And she stays very happy. She’s had such an interesting life and I am amazed that she is my mother and the stories that she tells,” Paul added. 

There will be another birthday party on Saturday as family from out-of-town will come to Greensburg and celebrate with Jean.

On Thursday, she was asked about her grandchildren and also her secret to a long, healthy life. Click the play button to listen:

"Keep Busy and Don't Feel Sorry For Yourself"104-year-old Jean Ehrman

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