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‘It was a really special day’: Family and friends celebrate local Brooklynite’s 100th birthday

‘It was a really special day’: Family and friends celebrate local Brooklynite’s 100th birthday
Photo By Steve Solomonson

Family and friends gathered at the Rutland Adult Daycare center in East Flatbush for a bittersweet celebration on May 24.

Brooklynite Doris Fordyce was honored with a commemorative citation from state Sen. Brian Benjamin to mark her recent 100th birthday, bringing a smile to the youthful spirit, said a close family friend.

“It was beautiful. It was a really special day,” said Nadine Nelson. “She was surprised. She was not expecting it, but she was very happy.”

Nelson said Fordyce is like a mother to her.

“She’s not a mom to me by blood, but she’s like a mom to me in many ways,” she said.”

The day also marked the closing of the Rutland Adult Daycare Center, where Fordyce had been a resident for 19 years.

Paula Victor as she stands in the Rutland Adult Daycare, located in the Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, which will be closing its doors for the last time after 27 years of serving the senior community.
Photo By Steve Solomonson

The center had been serving the community in Kings County since 1992, providing social services and medical care to elderly Brooklynites at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center on Schenectady Avenue.

Fordyce’s daughter called the closing a tragic loss for the community.

“Everyone liked it there,” said Paula Victor. “The did exercises, games, bible classes, activities, and trips. It’s sad that it’s not going to be there anymore.”

Victor said they would be transitioning her mother into a similar facility at McKinney Hospital in Prospect Lefferts Garden next month.

“She hasn’t seen it yet, but she’s excited,” said Victor.

Reach reporter Aidan Graham at agraham@schnepsmedia.com or by calling (718) 260–4577. Follow him at twitter.com/aidangraham95.
Doris Fordyce shows off a citation from State Senator Brian Benjamin with her granddaughter Sharisse Victor, left, and her daughter Paula Victor, right, on May 24.
Photo By Steve Solomonson