New Bedford’s Oldest Living Resident Celebrates Her 110th Birthday [PHOTOS]

NEW BEDFORD — It was a day 110 years in the making.

Irene Miller, believed to be New Bedford’s oldest living resident, celebrated her 110^th birthday this afternoon at Active Day of New Bedford in Welby Park.

Miller, decked out in her special Bruins sweater sent to her from the team earlier this week, wore a tiara and got a slew of gifts, including a bottle of Canadian Mist whiskey—a very thoughtful gift, considering she attributes her long life to drinking three fingers every night before bed.

U.S. Party Co. – East of New Bedford presented Miller with balloons that featured photos of her with her late husband.

The best gift she received, however, was the over 3,500 birthday cards she received, after she asked for people to send her cards to help her celebrate her milestone. People from all over sent cards in, after her request went viral, including entire schools.

Local dignitaries such as City Councilors Linda Morad, Brian Gomes, Brad Markey, Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, Miss New Bedford’s Outstanding Teen Tori Kalisz and former New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang were in attendance at the party. The councilors presented Miller with a proclamation commending her on her 110 years, all as a New Bedford resident.

WBSM’s Phil Paleologos served as “master of ceremonies” for the party, with fellow host Barry Richard in attendance as well.

Paws, the mascot for the Pawtucket Red Sox, made an appearance, and the team extended an open invite for Miller to come to McCoy Stadium and throw out the first pitch.

Shirley Antil of Active Day, who led the organization of the birthday party, said about 70 people in total showed up for the party.

Miller is the newest addition to the list of living American supercentenarians. It is an exclusive group of just over 40 people, according to Wikipedia.