Dorothy Hannisian turns 101 in September and the senior living community where she lives plans to mark the occasion.
Pegasus Landing of Mesa, 7231 E. Broadway Road, is hosting a party at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, where friends, family, staff and residents will gather to recognize her life and the many experiences she’s shared.
Hannisian was born in Lake Placid, New York, and has lived in Pegasus Landing of Mesa since 2017. Known for her quick wit and sharp memory, she is a familiar and well-liked presence, according to a release.
Her working life began on D-Day in 1944 when she took a job as a telephone operator. After moving to Arizona, she spent many years as an activity director at a resort near the Superstition Mountains. For her 94th birthday, she flew over those same mountains, thanks to Teresa Hadley, the life enrichment director at Pegasus Landing of Mesa, and local pilot Chris Harrop.
Hannisian began belly dancing at age 65 and performed at the community talent show at 99.
She has two sons and is known for staying up late, keeping things light, and enjoying the everyday rhythm of life, the release states.
“Dorothy brings energy to every room she walks into, and she’s always got a great story to tell,” Brooke Rogers, executive director at Pegasus Landing of Mesa, said in the release. “Whether she’s sharing memories or enjoying a game, she keeps us all on our toes. We’re lucky to know her and glad to help her celebrate another year.”
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