Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico and Councilman Neil Manzella (R-Selden) joined family, friends, and residents at Brookwood on the Lake on July 30 to celebrate Mary Papilon’s 110th birthday. During the celebration, Supervisor Panico and Manzella presented Papilon with a town proclamation recognizing her extraordinary life and this once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
Born on August 3, 1916, in the Bronx to Italian immigrant parents, Papillon has lived through more than a century of American and world history. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she is known for her warm personality, sense of humor, resilience, and positive outlook on life.
Papillon continued driving and cooking well into her 90s and made a remarkable recovery after breaking her hip just before her 100th birthday. Today, she enjoys playing bingo, spending time with her family, and socializing with her fellow residents.
“One hundred and ten years old — it’s incredible to think about everything Mary has witnessed, the events we read about in history books,” Panico said. “She’s seen it all and lived through it.”
During the celebration, Panico jokingly asked Papilon the secret to her longevity, prompting a smile and a quick reply from the birthday honoree: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
Manzella reflected on the special occasion, saying, “It’s something we all wish for and hope for, and today we get to witness it firsthand celebrating a beautiful young lady. I hope to be back next year celebrating her next one.”
Papilon’s daughter, Regina, joined other family members, friends, and residents in celebrating the occasion, sharing memories and honoring a woman whose life has spanned generations. The celebration recognized not only Mary’s milestone birthday, but also the countless lives she has touched throughout more than a century.