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Elgin native Irene Magnuson recently accomplished a lifelong goal: making it to 100 years old.
Magnuson officially reached the 100-year milestone on Jan. 5 and celebrated with friends and family over the weekend. Magnuson said she still feels young at heart and is in relatively good health.
“I’m not 100, I'm sweet 16,” Magnuson said. “I feel fine and I don’t hurt anywhere.”
Irene Magnuson grew up in a farming family, as her dad owned and operated a cotton gin in the Elgin area. She was the eldest sibling among her two sisters and raised three kids, Marion, Boyd and Lloyd, with her husband Hartwin Magnuson.
Irene Magnuson spent a portion of her adult life working at Camp Swift in Bastrop while her husband was enlisted in the military. Eventually, Irene and Hartwin bought a farm and returned to the country living to which they were accustomed. Irene Magnuson also sold encyclopedias in addition to helping out on the farm.
According to her daughter, Marion Magnuson, Irene’s longevity can be attributed to a simple formula: faith in God, good country living and kindness.
“She always has had such a love for people and especially her family,” Marion Magnuson said. “We call her the matriarch of the family.”
When asked what advice she would give to young people, Irene said to love one another, prioritize faith in God, be honest and work hard. She also strongly believes in the value of a good education.
Irene said she’s always loved the people of Elgin, which is the biggest reason she’s stayed in the area her whole life.
Marion and her family wanted to thank everyone who attended her mother’s birthday party this past weekend.
