A century plus three
By Carin Kirkegaard; courtesy photos
Hazel Bagley was one of the first residents of Legacy Village of Castle Pines. She celebrated her 103rd birthday with her favorite, angel food cake with ice cream and a little chocolate syrup.
Hazel Bagley celebrated 103 years of life on October 25 at Legacy Village of Castle Pines. Hazel has the honor of being the oldest resident in the senior living community.
Born in Josten, Missouri in 1917, Hazel was the middle sister of five girls. Her dad was an auctioneer and she married James Bagley at 18 years old in 1935. James, worked with Metropolitan Life Insurance and Hazel said they were transferred a lot with the job. “I’ve lived everywhere,” she commented. The Bagleys had two children, Beverly and James Jr.
Hazel lived through both World War II and the Great Depression. “We were glad it was over,” she said about the former. Her comment on the latter, “It was pretty hard.” Reminiscing about her youth, growing up with her four sisters, Hazel remembers sewing their dresses and having “girl fun – just playing life.”
Hazel was the belle of the ball with her “birthday girl” sash and tiara – which she refused to take off, even after the birthday celebration was complete.
Later in life Hazel took up playing golf and she fondly remembers her “beautiful” home in Sun City, Arizona – one of the many places their family lived. “I’m glad to be alive,” said Hazel, noting that the secret to living as long as she has is to enjoy life.
Hazel is the last living sister. All the girls lived long lives, one making it to her 105th birthday and another to her 104th. “I had a good life,” Hazel said. She laughs at the thought that she could live to 106. That way, she could tell her sisters she made it longer than them, when she gets to heaven.
The Castle Pines community, including several neighborhood schools, joined in celebrating Hazel Bagley’s 103rd birthday. Hazel received more than 500 cards, dozens of flower arrangements, balloons and gifts to celebrate her birthday.
